Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.

The Austrian squad has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.

The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.

These changes means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.

The New British Hope

The youngster was marked out as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

Regarding the team's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "pure speed".

The team prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

The rookie said it was a "proud moment", commenting: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready to work closely 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 sixth in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

The Frenchman's debut season began in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out rookies this season.

He included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.

The team principal commented: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."

Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".

The Lawson Decision

To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was moved back after just two races. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.

The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.

These announcements confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.