Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Gets Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.
Red Bull has revealed significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This driver musical chairs sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
The British teen drove first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been identified as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the team's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "raw pace".
The team prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", commenting: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he crashed 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 outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's points total.
The driver market moves confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
