🔗 Share this article

Red Bull has announced significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.

Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.

This reshuffling results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.

The New British Hope

Lindblad has been marked out as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

Discussing the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "natural quickness".

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

Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I can't wait 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 season finale in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies of the year.

His performances included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings.

A senior team figure commented: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."

The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "up for the challenge".

Lawson Retains His Seat

For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.

Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.

The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.