🔗 Share this article

Red Bull has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.

Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.

These changes sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.

The New British Hope

The youngster was identified as a rising talent 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 "looks really promising", praising his "raw pace".

The team has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.

The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."

He has won two races in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the stand-out newcomers this season.

He featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.

The team principal commented: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."

Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".

The Lawson Decision

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

Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading 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 accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

These announcements mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.