Red Bull Announces Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia currently sitting tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 standings.
The Austrian squad has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
These changes sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.
A Star in the Making
Arvid Lindblad drove first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been marked out 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 noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "pure speed".
Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "dream come true", commenting: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to work closely 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 standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar enjoys 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 crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies of the year.
His performances featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and proved to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".
The Lawson Decision
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. He has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place 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 mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.