Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Secures F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting tenth in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 championship.
The Red Bull team has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This reshuffling results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.
A Star in the Making
The British teen participated in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been marked out as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Discussing the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "raw pace".
Red Bull has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
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 prepared to work closely with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies this season.
He featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back after just two races. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's points total.
These announcements confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
