Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
The Austrian squad has announced a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen drove FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been identified as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the company's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "raw pace".
The team has been working for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", commenting: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. 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 final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out rookies this season.
He included an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Isack has shown 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 thrive alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".
Lawson Retains His Seat
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was demoted early in the year. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's points total.
These announcements confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
