Red Bull planning ambitious driver swap for 2026 season

Several changes are coming to Formula 1 in 2026 when it comes to the cars, but changes to drivers are also expected, and one of the biggest is coming at Red Bull. 

As reported by Motorsport Week, Isack Hadjar is set to join Red Bull as Max Verstappen's teammate for 2026. Red Bull academy driver Arvid Lindblad is set to be promoted to Racing Bulls to replace the departing Hadjar. 

The Red Bull second seat has been somewhat of a disaster this season, with Liam Lawson only lasting two races before being replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, who has also struggled during his time in the car. The Red Bull second seat has always been somewhat cursed, with all drivers who take it struggling to adapt to the car, resulting in Verstappen having to bear the whole load of scoring the team's points. 

After firing Christian Horner earlier this summer, it seems Red Bull wants to head in a new direction for the 2026 rule changes. Finding the right partner for Verstappen will be key, but will its plan work? 

How will the change work out for Red Bull? 

Hadjar had long been suspected of being the favorite to be promoted to Red Bull. Despite his outward wish to stay at its sister team, Racing Bulls, he seems to be the one the team has chosen as Verstappen's newest teammate.

The 20-year-old got off to a less-than-ideal start this season, crashing on the formation lap in the first race. Since then, he has been one of the most consistent drivers on the grid and by far the best of the rookies. 

He's made Q3 in every qualifying session except one, he's scored points in almost every race and even grabbed a third-place podium in the Netherlands. He no doubt has the talent to be a top driver for Red Bull, but will making such a major jump at such a young age derail his career? Only time will tell. 

As for Lindblad, the 18-year-old has been tipped to be a future star in Formula 1 during his time in the developmental series. Being promoted to Racing Bulls, a team with less pressure than Red Bull, will be a great jumping-off point for him, much as it has been for Hadjar this season.