Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Steps Up, Teenager Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 championship.
The Austrian squad has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.
A Star in the Making
The British teen drove FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was marked out as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the team's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "pure speed".
Red Bull has been working for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", commenting: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out newcomers this season.
He included an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, 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 incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was moved back early in the year. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
