Red Bull Confirms Major 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 championship.
The Austrian squad has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
These changes means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint.
A Star in the Making
Arvid Lindblad participated in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was marked out as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the team's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "natural quickness".
The team has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", adding: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
The Frenchman's debut season began in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies of the year.
His performances featured an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Isack has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was demoted after just two races. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's points total.
The driver market moves mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
