Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Steps Up, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Earns Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia currently sitting tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 championship.
The Austrian squad has announced a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
This reshuffling sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
The British teen drove FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was identified as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Discussing the team's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "natural quickness".
The team prepared a programme for some time to ready Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", commenting: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out newcomers this season.
He featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Isack has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was moved back early in the year. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, 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 programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
