Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, Teenager Lindblad Earns F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener and is 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
Red Bull has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This reshuffling means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.
A Star in the Making
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 young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "natural quickness".
The team has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", commenting: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium 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 season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers this season.
He featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was demoted early in the year. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.
The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.