Red Bull Reveals Major 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 standings.
The Red Bull team has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
These changes means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen drove FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been tagged as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", commenting: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers this season.
His performances featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
The team principal said: "Isack has shown impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred 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, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
