Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 championship.
Red Bull has announced significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
These changes sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad participated in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been identified as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "raw pace".
The team has been working for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and rise to it. 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 ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies of the year.
He featured an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement 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 early in the year. He has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
