Red Bull Announces Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.
The Red Bull team has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
This driver musical chairs means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
Arvid Lindblad took part in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "pure speed".
Red Bull has had a plan for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies this season.
He included an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Isack has shown great maturity and proved to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was demoted early in the year. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.
These announcements confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
