Red Bull Announces Major 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 standings.
Red Bull has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen participated in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been identified as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "raw pace".
The team prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season began in difficult fashion when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.
He included an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, 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 found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
