Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Lindblad Secures F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting tenth in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
The Red Bull team has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This driver musical chairs sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint.
A Star in the Making
The British teen took part in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the team's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "raw pace".
The team has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and rise to it. 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 championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies this season.
His performances featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and proved to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".
The Lawson Decision
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
These announcements confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
