Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, Teenager Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 championship.
Red Bull has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
A Star in the Making
The British teen took part in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was tagged as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the company's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", praising his "raw pace".
The team has had a plan since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", commenting: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
The French driver celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies of the year.
His performances included an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Tsunoda's Exit
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 settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
