Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia currently sitting 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.
Red Bull has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad participated in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the team's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "raw pace".
Red Bull prepared a programme for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers this season.
He featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure commented: "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 "a fantastic step" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was demoted early in the year. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
