Hadjar steps up to Red Bull as Lindblad joins Racing Bulls, Tsunoda out
- DIVEBOMB Motorsport
- 33 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Red Bull Racing have confirmed that Isack Hadjar will drive alongside Max Verstappen in 2026, replacing Yuki Tsunoda who will take up reserve driver duties next year. Hadjar’s promotion opens a seat at the sister team, which will be occupied by Arvid Lindblad partnering Liam Lawson, completing the 2026 Formula One grid.
After months of anticipation, Red Bull and Racing Bulls have confirmed their 2026 line-ups, completing the grid for the 2026 season marking the start of a new technical regulations era.
The shakeup sees star rookie Isack Hadjar step up to the senior team to partner Max Verstappen, while Red Bull Junior Team prodigy Arvid Lindblad will make the jump to F1 to drive at Racing Bulls, teaming up with Liam Lawson.
With this announcement, the team have also confirmed Yuki Tsunoda’s role as their reserve driver for 2026.
Reacting to his promotion following his rookie F1 year, Hadjar stated: "I’m so grateful to Oracle Red Bull Racing for giving me the opportunity and trust to race at the highest level of Formula One.
"After all the hard work I have put in since joining the Junior Team, it’s such a great reward. I’ve had many ups and downs throughout my career, and they kept believing and pushing me."
Red Bull Racing Team Principal Laurent Mekies added: "[Hadjar] has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner.
"Most importantly, he has demonstrated the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe Isack can thrive alongside Max and produce the magic on track!"
Mekies also took the time to thank Tsunoda for his time at Red Bull, stating: "Everyone in the sport would agree it is impossible not to like Yuki, his personality is infectious, and he has become a very special part of the Red Bull family.
"On behalf of everyone at Red Bull, I thank him for what he has contributed so far and we know he will provide invaluable support to the 2026 projects moving forwards."
Over at the sister team, stepping into Racing Bulls for his maiden F1 season, Lindblad shared: "I’d like to thank everyone at VCARB for the opportunity. Since I started this journey at five years old, it was always my goal to be in Formula One so it’s a proud moment to take this step.
"I’m extremely grateful to the Red Bull Junior Programme and my personal team for their guidance, mentorship and belief; none of this would have been possible without their support."
Commenting on his 2026 line-up of Lawson and Lindblad, Racing Bulls Team Principal Alan Permane stated: "Liam has shown impressive performance and professionalism throughout this year, he has excelled when conditions have been at their hardest and we look forward to building on this in 2026, while Arvid’s rapid progression marks him as one of the standout young talents in the sport.
"Together, they form a strong and dynamic pairing, one that embodies the ambition and youthful spirit of VCARB as we enter a transformative new era for Formula One."
For Hadjar, this marks a significant step in his career, being promoted to the senior team after just one year in F1. His impressive rookie season is highlighted by numerous appearances in the points and a stand out podium in Zandvoort, demonstrating his consistency and raw speed throughout qualifying sessions.
Hadjar also sits at tenth in the standings, the highest placed rookie mid-field driver on the grid.
Hadjar’s biggest highlight of the season so far was his stunning third-place finish in Zandvoort, his first ever F1 podium-finish.
This result cemented his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in the sport, showcasing his ability to compete with more experienced drivers at the front of the grid.
Throughout 2025, Hadjar has proved himself to be one of the standout newcomers on the grid. In what is his first season in F1, Hadjar has consistently put in great performances and maximised the potential of his RB car.
Hadjar’s excellent rookie campaign lined him up for a well-deserved promotion. His step up to Red Bull offers him the platform to race at the front of the grid and develop into a championship contender in future years.
The French driver’s move could also mark a fresh beginning for Red Bull. Over the years, the Milton Keynes outfit have struggled to stay consistent with their second seat, cycling through a series of drivers in search of a long-term fit.
Meanwhile for Lindblad, his rapid ascent to F1 is built on an impressive junior career.
A crucial element in this fast-track promotion was also the special Super Licence consideration granted by the FIA. Citing his "outstanding ability and maturity" despite being under the mandatory age of 18, the exemption allowed Lindblad to participate in a vital FP1 session at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix where he finished sixth, proving his F1 readiness to the decision makers.
Lindblad made an immediate impact in single-seaters after being signed by Red Bull as a young karting driver, winning the Italian F4 Championship before moving to Formula 3.
He then quickly established himself as a front-runner, securing multiple race wins and emerging as a title contender in his debut F3 season, paving his move to Formula 2.
His 2025 Formula 2 campaign was key in securing this promotion. Lindblad adapted quickly to the more powerful machinery as a rookie, securing a sprint race victory in Round 3 at Jeddah, a feature race victory in Barcelona, and multiple podiums along the way, marking him as a top-performing rookie.
Currently placed sixth with 121 points in his rookie F2 season, Lindblad's consistent form no doubt convinced the Red Bull management that he was ready for the pinnacle of motorsport.
With these driver confirmations, Red Bull may have found a driver to end their cycle of disappointment with second drivers in the hands of Hadjar’s proven talent, while at the sister team, Lawson and Lindblad will are set to compete to become the next generation of Red Bull drivers.
