Red Bull Confirms Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 standings.
The Red Bull team has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been identified as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the company's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "raw pace".
Red Bull has been working since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs 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 a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers this season.
His performances featured an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure said: "Isack has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
