Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Steps Up, Teenager Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
Red Bull has announced significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
These changes results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen took part in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has been working since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", adding: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers of the year.
His performances included an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back after just two races. He has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, 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.
These announcements mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
