Isack Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.
The Austrian squad has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
These changes means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.
The New British Hope
The British teen took part in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been identified as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Discussing the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "pure speed".
Red Bull has been working since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers this season.
His performances featured an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure said: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".
The Lawson Decision
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.
These announcements mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
