Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, Teenager Lindblad Secures F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is 10th in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 standings.
The Austrian squad has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
This reshuffling means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad took part in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was marked out as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the team's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "natural quickness".
The team has been working for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice 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 plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers this season.
His performances included an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".
The Lawson Decision
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
