Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 standings.
The Austrian squad has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
These changes sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad took part in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was marked out as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the company's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has been working for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", commenting: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready 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 sixth in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the stand-out rookies of the year.
His performances included an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship.
A senior team figure commented: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back after just two races. He has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a difficult season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
