Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.

Red Bull has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.

Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.

This reshuffling sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

Lindblad has been tagged as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

Regarding the company's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "pure speed".

Red Bull has been working since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.

Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", adding: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."

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

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive rookies of the year.

He featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.

A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."

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

The Lawson Decision

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

The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was demoted early in the year. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.

The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.

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