Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Lindblad Earns Grand Prix Debut.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener and is tenth in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 championship.
The Austrian squad has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice 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.
Discussing the team's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "natural quickness".
The team has been working since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", commenting: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year 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 this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.
He included an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. He has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
