Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia currently sitting tenth in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
The Austrian squad has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.
The New British Hope
The British teen took part in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been identified as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "raw pace".
Red Bull has been working since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he crashed 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.
He included an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a quick learner. 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 "ready".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was demoted early in the year. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.
These announcements mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.