Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener and is 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
Red Bull has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
This reshuffling sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
Arvid Lindblad drove FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was tagged as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "pure speed".
The team has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
The Frenchman's debut season began in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers this season.
His performances featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was demoted early in the year. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
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.