Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Earns 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 Formula 2 championship.
The Austrian squad has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
These changes sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
A Star in the Making
The British teen participated in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been tagged as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Discussing the team's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "pure speed".
Red Bull has had a plan since last year to prepare 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 a lot to learn, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies this season.
His performances featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has shown 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 succeed alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Lawson Retains His Seat
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back after just two races. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.