Red Bull Confirms Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener currently sitting tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
The Red Bull team has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, 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 post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
Arvid Lindblad participated in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was identified as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the team's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has been working since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared 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 so far this season and is sixth in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies this season.
His performances included an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal commented: "Isack has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. 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 "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
Lawson Retains His Seat
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.
The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.