Red Bull Confirms Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Secures F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia and is tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 standings.
The Red Bull team has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.
The New British Hope
The British teen participated in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "raw pace".
The team has been working since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.
He featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was demoted early in the year. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
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 for 2026.
