Red Bull Announces Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Promoted, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Earns F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
The Austrian squad has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
These changes results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen took part 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 team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "natural quickness".
The team has been working for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to collaborate 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 P6 in the standings heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
The Frenchman's debut season began in difficult fashion when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers this season.
He featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure commented: "Isack has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back after just two races. 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 best result is a P6, 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 Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
