Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Secures F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting tenth in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
Red Bull has revealed significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
This reshuffling sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad participated in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "raw pace".
The team has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers of the year.
He included an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and proved to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was demoted early in the year. He has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
