đź”— Share this article Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat. French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 championship. The Red Bull team has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat. The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB. These changes means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint. A Star in the Making Arvid Lindblad participated in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season. Lindblad has been identified as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old. Talking about the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "pure speed". Red Bull has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races. Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", commenting: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager 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 ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi. The Frenchman's Chance The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix 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. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out newcomers this season. His performances featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship. The team principal commented: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and proved to be a fast adapter. 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 "prepared". Tsunoda's Exit For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda. The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back after just two races. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time. Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship. These announcements mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.