Red Bull Confirms Major 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Earns Grand Prix Debut.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia and is tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.
The Red Bull team has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
The New British Hope
The British teen drove first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
The French driver enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers this season.
His performances included an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure said: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
Lawson Retains His Seat
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 after just two races. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
These announcements mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
