Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, Teenager Lindblad Secures Grand Prix Debut.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
The Austrian squad has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
This driver musical chairs means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
The British teen drove FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "raw pace".
The team prepared a programme since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", commenting: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers of the year.
He included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place 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 primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was demoted early in the year. He has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
