Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting tenth in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.
The Austrian squad has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
These changes means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen participated in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has been working since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", commenting: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers this season.
His performances featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure said: "Isack has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, 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
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
