Red Bull Announces Major 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.
Red Bull has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
This driver musical chairs means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen took part in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been identified as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Discussing the company's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "raw pace".
The team prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", commenting: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies of the year.
His performances featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the main team but was moved back after just two races. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
