Red Bull Announces Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Gets Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia and is 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
Red Bull has announced a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
Arvid Lindblad participated in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified 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 "appears very talented", praising his "natural quickness".
The team has had a plan since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", commenting: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers this season.
His performances included an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.
The team principal said: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "prepared".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was demoted early in the year. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
These announcements mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
