Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, Youngster Lindblad Secures 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 F2 championship.
The Red Bull team has announced significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
The British teen took part in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been marked out as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the team's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has been working for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", commenting: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began 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 most impressive rookies this season.
He included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Isack has displayed impressive growth 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 thrive next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Lawson Retains His Seat
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the main team but was demoted after just two races. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
