Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 championship.
The Red Bull team has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This driver musical chairs sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was identified as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", praising his "raw pace".
Red Bull prepared a programme for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", commenting: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the stand-out rookies of the year.
He included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Isack has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
