French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 championship.
The Austrian squad has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.
The New British Hope
The British teen took part in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been tagged as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has been working since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to collaborate 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 sixth in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career 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 of the year.
He included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship.
A senior team figure said: "Isack has displayed impressive growth 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 thrive alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the main team but was demoted after just two races. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.
Tsunoda, 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 mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
