Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia currently sitting tenth in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
The Austrian squad has announced a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
These changes sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad participated in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was identified as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
The French driver celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive rookies this season.
His performances featured an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Isack has shown great maturity and proved 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 thrive next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
The Lawson Decision
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, 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 academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
