Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
The Red Bull team has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad participated in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been marked out as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the company's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "natural quickness".
Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
The Frenchman's debut season began in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out newcomers this season.
He featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading 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 scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
