Red Bull Announces Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Lindblad Earns F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.
The Austrian squad has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
These changes results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
The British teen participated in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the company's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "raw pace".
The team prepared a programme since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies of the year.
His performances featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Isack has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was moved back after just two races. He has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
