Red Bull Reveals Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Steps Up, Teenager Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener and is tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 championship.
Red Bull has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This driver musical chairs sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.
The New British Hope
The British teen drove first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been marked out as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Discussing the company's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "raw pace".
The team prepared a programme for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and rise to it. 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 championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies this season.
He featured an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.
A senior team figure commented: "Isack has displayed great maturity and proved to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
The Lawson Decision
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad 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.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
