Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Steps Up, Teenager Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener currently sitting tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 standings.
The Red Bull team has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen participated in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been identified as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "natural quickness".
The team prepared a programme for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait 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 final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies of the year.
He included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to 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 opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
