🔗 Share this article

The Austrian squad has revealed significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.

Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.

This driver musical chairs sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.

The New British Hope

The youngster was marked out as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

Regarding the company's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "raw pace".

The team prepared a programme for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.

Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", commenting: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."

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

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers this season.

His performances featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings.

The team principal said: "Isack 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 succeed alongside Max."

The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".

The Lawson Decision

To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back early in the year. He has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.

Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

The driver market moves mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.