Red Bull Confirms Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is 10th in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 championship.
The Austrian squad has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
These changes results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.
A Star in the Making
Arvid Lindblad drove FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "pure speed".
Red Bull has been working since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", commenting: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers this season.
He featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure commented: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was demoted early in the year. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
