Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, Youngster Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is tenth in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 standings.
The Red Bull team has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
These changes sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.
A Star in the Making
Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "pure speed".
The team has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", commenting: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies of the year.
His performances included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. He has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.