Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 championship.
Red Bull has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.
The New British Hope
The British teen participated in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the company's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "natural quickness".
The team has had a plan since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", commenting: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
The French driver enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race this season.
The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies of the year.
His performances included an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship.
The team principal said: "Isack has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place 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 mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
