Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 championship.
The Austrian squad has revealed significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
These changes sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
A Star in the Making
Arvid Lindblad drove first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was marked out as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "pure speed".
The team has been working since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories 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 maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began 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 stand-out newcomers this season.
His performances featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal commented: "Isack has displayed impressive growth 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 thrive next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".
Lawson Retains His Seat
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was moved back after just two races. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
