Red Bull Reveals Major 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Steps Up, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
The Austrian squad has announced significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad participated in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the company's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "pure speed".
Red Bull prepared a programme for some time to ready Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies of the year.
He featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace 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 "prepared".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. He has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
