Red Bull Reveals Major 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.

Two Red Bull junior drivers

French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is tenth in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 standings.

The Austrian squad has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.

Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.

These changes sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.

The New British Hope

Arvid Lindblad in a Formula 1 car

The British teen participated in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.

Lindblad has been tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

Talking about the team's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "pure speed".

Red Bull has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."

He has won two races in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

Hadjar on the rostrum

Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.

The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.

He featured an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.

The team principal said: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."

The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".

Lawson Retains His Seat

To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.

The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was demoted early in the year. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.

The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

The driver market moves mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.

Christie Adams
Christie Adams

A former casino manager turned gambling analyst, specializing in slot machine mechanics and responsible gaming practices.