Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.
The Red Bull team has revealed significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
These changes sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen drove FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the team's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "natural quickness".
The team has had a plan for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion 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 newcomers this season.
His performances featured an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Isack has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.
These announcements confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
