Red Bull Confirms Major 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Steps Up, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Secures Grand Prix Debut.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia and is 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 standings.
The Red Bull team has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
These changes results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad participated in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been marked out as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", praising his "pure speed".
Red Bull has had a plan since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers this season.
His performances included an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Isack has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "prepared".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was demoted after just two races. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
These announcements mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
