Red Bull Reveals Major 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Gets Grand Prix Debut.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia and is 10th in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 standings.
The Austrian squad has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been tagged as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Discussing the company's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "pure speed".
The team has had a plan since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "dream come true", commenting: "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 am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out newcomers this season.
He included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity 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 thrive next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over 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 Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish 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 Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
