Red Bull has announced major changes to its 2026 Formula 1 driver line-up. Frenchman Isack Hadjar will be promoted to the senior team alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen, while 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad will make his F1 debut with second team Racing Bulls, partnering New Zealander Liam Lawson.

The reshuffle means Yuki Tsunoda loses his seat after five seasons on the grid, while Lindblad becomes one of six British-licensed drivers competing in 2026, alongside Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, George Russell, Oliver Bearman, and Alex Albon.

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Arvid Lindblad: Rising Star

Born in Virginia Water, Surrey, Lindblad has been in Red Bull’s young driver programme since age 12. With a Swedish father and Indian mother, he has impressed scouts with his speed, maturity, and determination.

• Currently sixth in Formula 2, Lindblad has won two races this season.
• He completed F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in 2025, gaining valuable track experience.
• Managed by Formula E champion Oliver Rowland, Lindblad described his upcoming debut season as a “big challenge” but said he’s ready to learn and grow.

Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko praised Lindblad’s ability to win races from the back in tricky conditions, calling him “a driver with clear vision and pure speed.”

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Isack Hadjar: A Steady Rookie Ready for Red Bull

Hadjar, 21, made his F1 debut at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix. After a shaky start, he quickly established himself as one of the season’s standout rookies:

• Achieved a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.
• Averaged 10th on the grid and out-qualified team-mate Liam Lawson 22 times to five.
• Currently sits 10th in the drivers’ championship heading into the final race of 2025.

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies highlighted Hadjar’s “raw speed” and maturity, expressing confidence that he can thrive alongside Verstappen.

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Other Changes and Context

• Liam Lawson remains at Racing Bulls after returning from the senior team, having delivered strong performances including 5th in Azerbaijan and 6th in Austria.
• Yuki Tsunoda has been dropped, having scored only 7% of Red Bull’s points in 2025 and out-qualified Verstappen just once.
• Ireland’s Alex Dunne will continue in F2, with potential links to Alpine’s driver programme, but is not part of Red Bull’s plans.