Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Steps Up, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Earns Grand Prix Debut.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia currently sitting 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
Red Bull has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
These changes sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad took part in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "natural quickness".
The team has been working for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", commenting: "Next season represents 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 can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the stand-out newcomers of the year.
His performances featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Crucially, 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 "prepared".
Lawson Retains His Seat
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was moved back early in the year. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
