Red Bull Reveals Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, Youngster Lindblad Earns F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
The Red Bull team has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
This driver musical chairs sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.
The New British Hope
The British teen participated in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was identified as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the company's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "natural quickness".
Red Bull prepared a programme for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, 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 sixth in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
The French driver enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.
Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive rookies of the year.
He featured an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Isack 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 excel next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
