Red Bull Reveals Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, Youngster Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 standings.
The Austrian squad has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding 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 the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
These changes sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen participated in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been tagged as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Discussing the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has had a plan since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", commenting: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the stand-out rookies of the year.
His performances included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Isack has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
