French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia and is 10th in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
The Red Bull team has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This driver musical chairs results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad drove first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been marked out as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "pure speed".
Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies this season.
He featured an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Isack has displayed 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 excel next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.
Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
These announcements confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
