Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Steps Up, Teenager Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat.

The Red Bull team has announced a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.

The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.

This reshuffling sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

The youngster was marked out as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

Discussing the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "pure speed".

The team has had a plan for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.

The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."

He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

The Frenchman's debut season began in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies of the year.

His performances featured an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.

A senior team figure said: "Isack has shown great maturity and proved to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."

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

Lawson Retains His Seat

To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

Lawson began the season with the main team but was moved back after just two races. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.

Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.

These announcements mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.