🔗 Share this article

The Red Bull team has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden 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 VCARB.

This reshuffling sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.

The New British Hope

Lindblad has been tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

Discussing the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "pure speed".

Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.

Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", adding: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."

He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out rookies this season.

His performances featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.

A senior team figure commented: "Isack has shown great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."

Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".

Lawson Retains His Seat

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

Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.

The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.

The driver market moves mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.