Red Bull Confirms Major 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 championship.
The Red Bull team has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
This driver musical chairs sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
A Star in the Making
The British teen participated in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was marked out as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the company's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "raw pace".
Red Bull prepared a programme for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies of the year.
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 proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.