Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia and is 10th in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 standings.
Red Bull has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing British teenager 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 Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
The British teen drove first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was tagged as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "natural quickness".
The team has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver enjoys his first podium in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive rookies of the year.
He included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back after just two races. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
