Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Steps Up, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Gets Grand Prix Debut.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 championship.
The Austrian squad has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
These changes results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
The New British Hope
The British teen drove first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Discussing the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "pure speed".
The team has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion 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 newcomers this season.
He featured an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back early in the year. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
