Red Bull Confirms Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Secures F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
Red Bull has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.
A Star in the Making
The British teen drove FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was identified as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the team's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "natural quickness".
The team prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice 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 a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies this season.
He included an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Lawson Retains His Seat
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. He has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.