Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Promoted, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia currently sitting 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
The Red Bull team has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad participated in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the team's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "raw pace".
Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, 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 this year and is sixth in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured 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. However, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies this season.
His performances included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was demoted after just two races. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.
Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
