Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Lindblad Secures F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
Red Bull has revealed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
The British teen participated in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "raw pace".
The team has had a plan 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.
The rookie said it was a "dream come true", commenting: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers this season.
His performances featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was demoted early in the year. He has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's points total.
These announcements confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
