Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Lindblad Gets Grand Prix Debut.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia and is 10th in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
Red Bull has revealed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
These changes means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen participated in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the company's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", praising his "natural quickness".
Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", commenting: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready 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 so far this season and is P6 in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.
His performances included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
The team principal commented: "Isack has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's points total.
These announcements mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.