Red Bull Announces Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Gets Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is 10th in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
Red Bull has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
This driver musical chairs means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen took part in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been marked out as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies this season.
He featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's points total.
These announcements mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
