Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia currently sitting tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 championship.
The Red Bull team has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
These changes results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad drove first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was identified as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the team's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "natural quickness".
The team prepared a programme since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver enjoys his first podium in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
The Frenchman's debut season began in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies of the year.
His performances included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.
Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
