Red Bull Announces Driver Switch For Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Red Bull have officially confirmed a driver change for the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend.
The race at the Yas Marina circuit is the final one of the season and the stage is set for a huge final showdown, with Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri fighting it for the F1 title.
After an excellent recent run coupled with McLaren issues, Verstappen is still able to win a fifth consecutive championship in a row - with a number of possible permutations for the decider.
Red Bull are laser focused on the grand finale but in the build-up rumours swirled that they would be making a drive change during the race weekend.
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For one of the practice sessions, it's been confirmed that 18-year-old Arvid Lindblad will replace out of favour Yuki Tsunoda.
In 2025, all Formula 1 sides are required to give a minimum of two first free practice sessions to a rookie driver in each car and normally place them in one of their two seats during four different race weekends.
Verstappen gave up sessions in Bahrain to Ayumu Iwasa and Lindblad - who also replaced Tsunoda at Silverstone after obtaining his super licence.
That move will be repeated in Abu Dhabi, with Lindblad partnering Verstappen. On X, Red Bull Racing's account wrote: "Confirming that Arvid Lindblad will drive Yuki’s RB21 for First Practice, this weekend."
Ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, Sky Sports reporter Ted Kravitz claimed that Tsunoda will be left without a place on the grid next year and replaced by Isack Hadjar, who will step up from junior team Racing Bulls.
That was later confirmed by Red Bull, while it was also announced that Lindblad will also be a permanent addition for the 2026 season as he will partner Liam Lawson for the Racing Bulls.
Tsunoda reacts after being left in the cold
On X, Racing Bulls wrote: "Your VCARB line-up for 2026 @liamlawson30 will welcome Arvid Lindblad as his new teammate next season, as Arvid makes the step up from #F2 Let’s have it!"
The Brit has been with the Red Bull Junior Team since 2021 and competed in Formula 2 with Campos - becoming the youngest race winner in F2 history when he won Jeddah sprint aged 17 years and 254 days.
Tsunoda will be back in for the main race on the Sunday but after growing pressure, the Japanese looks set to be left in limbo.
He will remain at Red Bull but effectively as a third driver who is involved in testing the cars and is waiting in the wings as a reserve.
Reacting to the news on Instagram, Tsunoda wrote: "I'm not finished yet."
"Finding out I won't have a race seat in 2026 was incredibly tough, but I'm determined to work harder than ever with Red Bull as test and reserve driver to develop with the team, and prove I deserve a place on the grid.
"Life's full of setbacks, and this is mine. It's not going to deter me from being the best F1 driver I can be."
Topics: Red Bull Racing, Max Verstappen
Josh Lawless