Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, Teenager Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting tenth in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
Red Bull has revealed significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This driver musical chairs means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
A Star in the Making
Arvid Lindblad drove first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been identified as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the team's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "raw pace".
Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", adding: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
The French driver enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out newcomers of the year.
His performances included an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was moved back early in the year. 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 highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
