Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Steps Up, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Earns Grand Prix Debut.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
Red Bull has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
This reshuffling sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.
A Star in the Making
The British teen participated in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "natural quickness".
The team has been working since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race 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, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive rookies this season.
His performances included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the main team but was demoted early in the year. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
