Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Steps Up, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting tenth in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 championship.
The Austrian squad has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.
These changes results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
The British teen participated in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been marked out as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "pure speed".
The team has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to collaborate 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 P6 in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies this season.
His performances included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was demoted after just two races. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.
These announcements mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
