Milton Keynes, Dec 2 ( LatestNewsX ) – In a move that will reshape Red Bull’s lineup by 2026, 22‑year‑old Isack Hadjar has confirmed that he will join the Formula 1 team to partner two‑time World Champion Max Verstappen. At the same time, the younger Swedish driver Arvid Lindblad will make his F1 debut with the sister outfit Racing Bulls alongside New Zealand‑born Liam Lawson, according to the two clubs.
With only Red Bull and Racing Bulls lining up free seats for the 2026 season, Hadjar has long been the front‑running candidate to slot in after Yuki Tsunoda. The promising rookie has already scored points in ten Grands Prix this year, most notably finishing on the podium in his home Dutch Grand Prix.
Laurent Mekies, CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, said: “Yuki has raced in Red Bull colours for seven years now, and I have had the pleasure of working with him at both Red Bull teams. Through his five seasons so far in Formula One, Yuki has matured into a complete racer, good over a single lap on Saturday and capable of exceptional starts and excellent race craft on Sunday.”
“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 forward. As 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,” he added.
Lindblad, who has impressed in the Formula 2 feeder series, earned a clear path to the F1 grid after strong performances and successful free‑practice stints driving a Red Bull car at Silverstone and Mexico. He and Lawson were locked in a tight battle for the second Racing Bulls seat, with Lawson ultimately securing the spot for a second full season after stepping in for Daniel Ricciardo earlier this year. Tsunoda will remain within the Red Bull family as a reserve driver for both teams, even though he will no longer race on the grid.
Hadjar expressed his gratitude: “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.”
“This year with Visa Cash App 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, thanks to the team’s support and preparation. I feel ready to go to Oracle Red Bull Racing, and I am happy and proud that they feel the same. It’s an awesome move to work with the best, and learning from Max is something I can’t wait for.”
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