Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener currently sitting tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 standings.
Red Bull has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
These changes means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
The British teen participated in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was tagged as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the company's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "pure speed".
Red Bull has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared 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 sixth in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies of the year.
He included an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
The team principal commented: "Isack has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
