Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Earns Grand Prix Debut.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia and is 10th in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 standings.
The Austrian squad has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
These changes means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was marked out as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the team's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "pure speed".
The team has been working for some time 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: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. 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 ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
The Frenchman's debut season began in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers this season.
He featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.
The driver market moves confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
