Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
The Red Bull team has announced a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This driver musical chairs means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen took part in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was tagged as a rising talent 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 "looks really promising", praising his "natural quickness".
The team has been working since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", commenting: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies of the year.
His performances featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
