Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Lindblad Secures Grand Prix Debut.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 standings.
The Austrian squad has announced significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
These changes sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen drove FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was marked out as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the company's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", praising his "raw pace".
The team has been working for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", commenting: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
The French driver enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season began in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation 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 remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
The team principal said: "Isack has shown 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 alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back early in the year. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
