Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.
Red Bull has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
This driver musical chairs sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint.
A Star in the Making
Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "natural quickness".
The team prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season began 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 excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Isack has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was demoted early in the year. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
