Red Bull and Racing Bulls have confirmed major changes to their 2026 Formula 1 driver line-ups, with Isack Hadjar stepping up to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull and Arvid Lindblad making his Formula 1 debut with Racing Bulls, where he will race alongside Liam Lawson.
The announcement fills the final two vacant seats on the 2026 F1 grid and formalises months of speculation around Red Bull’s next-generation driver strategy.
Hadjar replaces Tsunoda at Red Bull
Hadjar has been widely tipped to replace Yuki Tsunoda after an impressive rookie campaign. The French driver has scored points in 10 Grands Prix, including a remarkable maiden podium at the Dutch Grand Prix, making him one of the strongest newcomers of the season.
His promotion sees him join four-time World Champion Max Verstappen, forming one of the most intriguing pairings for the new regulation era.
Lindblad earns Racing Bulls graduation
Meanwhile, rising talent Arvid Lindblad will make his Formula 1 debut with Racing Bulls in 2026. The Red Bull junior sealed his promotion following standout performances in Formula 2 and an impressive showing during Free Practice 1 sessions with Red Bull at Silverstone and Mexico, where he demonstrated maturity beyond his years.
Lindblad will partner Liam Lawson, who secures his second full F1 season with Racing Bulls after replacing Daniel Ricciardo midway through the 2024 campaign and delivering consistently strong results.
Tsunoda retained as reserve driver
Despite losing his full-time seat, Yuki Tsunoda will remain part of the Red Bull family as a reserve driver for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls in 2026. The Japanese driver’s experience and technical feedback will continue to play a vital role within the organisation.
The 2026 line-up announcements underline Red Bull’s long-term commitment to its junior programme and usher in a new era for the energy drinks giant’s two-team structure.
