Red Bull Reveals Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Steps Up, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.
The Red Bull team has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
These changes sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.
A Star in the Making
The British teen participated in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the company's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "raw pace".
Red Bull has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race this season.
The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers this season.
His performances featured an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure said: "Isack has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was demoted after just two races. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
