Isak Hadjar will move to Red Bull to partner Max Verstappen in 2026, with Arvid Lindblad making his Formula 1 debut with Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls, the energy drink firm’s two teams have announced.
Red Bull and Racing Bulls were the only teams with free seats for 2026, although Hadjar was long expected to replace Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull alongside four-time world champion Verstappen after a stellar rookie season.
Hadjar has scored points in 10 Grands Prix this season, including an impressive first podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Red Bull Junior Lindblad emerged as a candidate for promotion to Formula 1 with Racing Bulls after delivering some strong races in the feeder series F2 and impressing while driving for Red Bull in the Free Practice 1 outings at Silverstone and Mexico.
Tsunoda and Lawson were left to fight for the remaining seat at Racing Bulls, with the latter coming out on top to secure a second full campaign with the team – with Lawson replacing Daniel Ricciardo at the team in mid-2024.
While Tsunoda loses his seat on the grid, he will remain part of the family in 2026 as a reserve driver for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls.
Laurent Mekies, CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, said: “Yukki has raced in Red Bull colors for seven years now and I have had the privilege of working with him on both Red Bull teams. During his five seasons so far in Formula One, Yuki has matured as a complete racer, delivering good single lap performances on Saturdays and capable of exceptional starts and excellent race craft on Sundays.
“Everyone in the sport will agree that 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 the contribution he has made so far and we know he will provide invaluable assistance in driving the 2026 projects forward. As for Isak, in his first F1 season, he has shown great maturity and has proven to be a quick learner.
“Most importantly, he has demonstrated the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe Isak can move forward with Max and create magic on the track! 2026 will be a huge challenge for the team and for Red Bull Ford Powertrain, these are exciting times, and I look forward to seeing what we can do together.”
Isak Hadjar said: “I am very grateful to Oracle Red Bull Racing for giving me the opportunity and trust to race at the highest level of Formula One. This is a huge reward after all the hard work I have put in since joining the junior team. I have had many ups and downs throughout my career, and they continue to believe in me and keep pushing me.
“This year with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls has been absolutely amazing, I’ve learned a lot and achieved my first podium. I feel I’m much better as a racing driver and a person because of the support and preparation of the team. I feel ready to move to Oracle Red Bull Racing and I’m happy and proud that they feel the same. It’s an amazing step, working with the best and learning from Max is something I can’t wait to do.”
Racing Bulls Team Principal Alan Parmane said: “First of all, huge congratulations to Isaac. He has delivered a truly outstanding season, demonstrating exceptional race-craft and consistency beyond his experience. He has fully embraced his move to Red Bull Racing and we wish him all the best as he takes on this exciting new challenge in his career – we are proud to have been part of this journey.
“Liam has shown impressive performances and professionalism throughout this year, he has excelled when conditions have been the toughest and we look forward to building on this in 2026, while Arvid’s rapid progress marks him out as one of the exceptional young talents in the game.
“Together, they form a strong and dynamic duo, epitomizing the ambition and youthful spirit of VCARB as we enter a transformative new era for Formula 1.”
Lindblad said: “I want to thank everyone at VCARB for this opportunity. Since I started this journey at the age of five, it was always my goal to be in Formula 1, so it is a proud moment to take this step.
“I am extremely grateful to the Red Bull Junior Program and my personal team for their guidance, advice and belief; without their support none of this would have been possible. 2026 will be a huge challenge and I know there is a lot to learn, but I am looking forward to working closely with the team and growing it. I can’t wait to get started, it’s going to be an exciting year!”
Lawson said: “I’m really looking forward to racing with VCARB in 2026. It’s an opportunity I will be grateful for as we enter a year of change in F1. I look forward to working with the team as we prepare for the challenging season ahead. It’s going to be an exciting year and I can’t wait to get started with my first pre-season with the team.”
The Formula 1 grid for 2026 is now complete, with Cadillac joining 11 teams competing under sweeping new chassis and power unit rules in 2026.
Before that, however, there is the small matter of a three-way battle for the Drivers’ title in the final race of an exciting season in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
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