🔗 Share this article

The Austrian squad has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.

The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.

This driver musical chairs means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

Lindblad has been identified as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

Talking about the company's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "pure speed".

Red Bull has been working for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.

The rookie said it was a "huge honour", adding: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready 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 sixth in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the stand-out rookies of the year.

His performances included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings.

A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."

The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".

The Lawson Decision

To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.

Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.

The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.

These announcements confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.