Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia and is tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
The Red Bull team has announced significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
This reshuffling results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen drove FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been identified as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Discussing the company's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "pure speed".
The team has been working since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season began in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies of the year.
His performances featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed 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 preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. However, 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 difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
