Red Bull Announces Major 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Steps Up, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 standings.
The Austrian squad has revealed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
This driver musical chairs results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.
The New British Hope
The British teen took part in 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.
Talking about the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "raw pace".
Red Bull prepared a programme for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", commenting: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the stand-out rookies this season.
His performances featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure said: "Isack has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.
These announcements confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
