Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Earns F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener and is 10th in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 championship.
The Red Bull team has revealed significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was marked out as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the company's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "raw pace".
The team has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", commenting: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.
His performances included an outstanding 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 fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
Lawson Retains His Seat
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was demoted after just two races. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage 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 next season.
