Red Bull Announces Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting tenth in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 standings.
The Austrian squad has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
This driver musical chairs sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
Arvid Lindblad participated in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the company's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", praising his "natural quickness".
The team prepared a programme for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the stand-out rookies of the year.
He featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
