Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Steps Up, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia and is tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
The Austrian squad has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
The British teen drove FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was marked out as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "pure speed".
The team prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated 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 work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver enjoys his first podium in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies of the year.
He featured an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Isack has displayed 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 thrive alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at the junior team, 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 the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected 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 confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
