Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia currently sitting tenth in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 championship.
The Red Bull team has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint.
A Star in the Making
The British teen participated in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been identified as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the team's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "raw pace".
Red Bull has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
The Frenchman's debut season began in difficult fashion when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies this season.
He featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Isack has shown impressive growth and proved to be a quick learner. 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 "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".
The Lawson Decision
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
