Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Lindblad Earns F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener and is 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 standings.
Red Bull has announced a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
These changes results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.
A Star in the Making
Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the company's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "raw pace".
The team has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", commenting: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out rookies this season.
His performances featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. He has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction 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 continue in F2 for 2026.
