Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Gets Grand Prix Debut.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia and is tenth in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 championship.
The Red Bull team has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
These changes results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.
A Star in the Making
The British teen drove first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been marked out as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has been working since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready 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 standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race this season.
The Frenchman's debut season 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 most impressive rookies this season.
He featured an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and demonstrated 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 alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".
Lawson Retains His Seat
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the main team but was demoted early in the year. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.
Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.