Red Bull Announces Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Earns F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia and is tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
Red Bull has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
These changes results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad drove FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was identified as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "raw pace".
Red Bull has been working for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", commenting: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar celebrates 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 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.
His performances featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has displayed 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 next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".
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 main team but was moved back after just two races. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.