Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, Teenager Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia and is tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.
Red Bull has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
These changes means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been identified as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Discussing the company's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "raw pace".
Red Bull has had a plan for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
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 step up. I can't wait to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the stand-out rookies of the year.
His performances included an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure said: "Isack has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen 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 the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.
Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
