Red Bull Announces Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.
Red Bull has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
The British teen drove first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been tagged as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "pure speed".
Red Bull has had a plan for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready 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 sixth in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.
His performances featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity 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 "up for the challenge".
The Lawson Decision
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for 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 the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a difficult season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
