Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Promoted, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Gets Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
The Austrian squad has announced a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
These changes results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad drove first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been marked out as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Discussing 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 potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
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 ready to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.
He featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
The Lawson Decision
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted early in the year. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
