Red Bull Announces Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Earns F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is tenth in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
Red Bull has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
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 sister squad VCARB.
These changes sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been marked out as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the team's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "raw pace".
The team has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies this season.
His performances featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth 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 thrive next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was moved back early in the year. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
