Isack Hadjar moves to Red Bull for F1 2026, Arvid Lindblad in at Racing Bulls

Isack Hadjar will officially become Max Verstappen's new Red Bull team-mate in the 2026 Formula 1 season replacing Yuki Tsunoda, while Arvid Lindblad joins Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls.

Hadjar will be promoted from Racing Bulls after a strong rookie campaign, which yielded a breakthrough podium for the then-20-year-old Frenchman at the Dutch Grand Prix. The 2024 F2 runner-up also took a brace of sixth-place finishes to sneak into the top 10 in the drivers' standings, having the measure of team-mate Lawson in qualifying.

It means Tsunoda is set for a season on the sidelines after a five-year stint in F1, four of which came at Red Bull’s sister squad. The 25-year-old then joined Red Bull for round three of this year, but he has underperformed by scoring just 30 points to sit 15th in the standings while Verstappen is in title contention. He will serve as Red Bull's reserve driver next year.

Hadjar said: "I’m so grateful to Red Bull for giving me the opportunity and trust to race at the highest level of Formula 1. 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.

"This year with Racing Bulls has been absolutely amazing, I’ve learnt a lot and secured a maiden podium. I feel I’m much better as a racing driver and a person, due to the team‘s support and preparation.

"I feel ready to go to Red Bull and I am happy and proud they feel the same. It’s an awesome move, to work with the best and learn from Max is something I can’t wait for.“

Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing, Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team

Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies, who previously worked as team principal of Racing Bulls, added: "For Isack, in his first F1 season, he 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! 2026 will be a huge challenge for the team and for Red Bull Ford Powertrains, these are exciting times, and I am looking forward to seeing what we can do together.”

Lawson will stay on at Racing Bulls for what will be his first full campaign at the same outfit, having started the 2025 season with a short-lived Red Bull stint.

The New Zealander will be partnered by highly-rated British talent Lindblad. The 18-year-old, who was fast-tracked through the Red Bull development programme, is on course to finish sixth in his maiden F2 campaign this season.

"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 1 so it’s a proud moment to take this step," said Lindblad, who has contested two practice sessions this year for Red Bull.

"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. 2026 will be a big challenge and I know there’s a lot to learn, but I’m ready to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can’t wait to get started, it’s going to be an exciting year."

Arvid Lindblad, Red Bull Racing

Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane said: "Firstly, a huge congratulations to Isack. He has delivered a truly outstanding season, demonstrating exceptional race-craft and consistency well beyond his experience. He has fully earned his step up to Red Bull Racing and we wish him nothing but the best as he takes on this exciting new challenge in his career – we are proud to have been part of the journey.

“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 1.”

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.