Red Bull Reveals Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Gets Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.
The Austrian squad has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad took part in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Discussing the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "raw pace".
Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", commenting: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver enjoys his first podium in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out newcomers this season.
His performances included an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Isack has shown 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."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Lawson Retains His Seat
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was demoted early in the year. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.