French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia and is tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 championship.
The Red Bull team has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
This driver musical chairs means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.
The New British Hope
The British teen drove FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was marked out as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", commenting: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
The French driver enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out newcomers of the year.
He featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back after just two races. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
