French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is 10th in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 standings.
The Red Bull team has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This reshuffling means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
Arvid Lindblad participated in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been identified as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "raw pace".
The team has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race this season.
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. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers this season.
His performances included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
The Lawson Decision
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
