Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, Teenager Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener and is tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 championship.
Red Bull has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
This reshuffling means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad participated in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the team's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "pure speed".
The team prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver enjoys his first podium in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies of the year.
He featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
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 notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
These announcements mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.