Red Bull Reveals Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
The Austrian squad has announced a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut 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 driver musical chairs means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad participated in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been identified as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the company's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "pure speed".
Red Bull has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", adding: "2026 will be 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."
He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
The French driver enjoys his first podium in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers this season.
He included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. 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 awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".
Lawson Retains His Seat
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was moved back after just two races. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
