Red Bull Confirms Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 championship.
The Austrian squad has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
These changes means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad participated in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been tagged as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "pure speed".
The team has had a plan for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race this season.
The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies this season.
His performances included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" 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 demoted after just two races. He has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.
The driver market moves mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
