🔗 Share this article

The Austrian squad has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.

Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.

This driver musical chairs sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

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

Regarding the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "natural quickness".

The team has been working since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.

Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", commenting: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."

Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

The Frenchman's debut season began in difficult fashion when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers this season.

His performances featured an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.

The team principal said: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."

Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "up for the challenge".

Lawson Retains His Seat

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

Lawson 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 notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.

The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

These announcements confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.