Red Bull Reveals Major 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Promoted, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Gets Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia and is tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
The Austrian squad has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
This driver musical chairs results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad took part in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been identified as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Discussing the company's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "raw pace".
Red Bull has had a plan for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies this season.
His performances included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship.
A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, 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 "up for the challenge".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted early in the year. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, 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.
These announcements mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
