Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Earns F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
The Red Bull team has announced significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This reshuffling means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad participated in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was identified as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the team's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", praising his "natural quickness".
Red Bull prepared a programme for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he spun out 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 featured an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "prepared".
The Lawson Decision
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the main team 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.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
These announcements confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
