Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Secures F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 championship.
Red Bull has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
These changes results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad participated in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was identified as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "raw pace".
The team has had a plan since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies this season.
His performances featured an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.
These announcements confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
