Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, Teenager Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 championship.
The Red Bull team has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This reshuffling results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was marked out as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the team's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "pure speed".
The team has been working for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
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 ready to work closely with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies this season.
He featured an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has shown 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 thrive 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 the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's points total.
These announcements mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
