Red Bull Announces Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Earns Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener and is tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 standings.
Red Bull has confirmed 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 first Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen participated in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", praising his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has been working since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "dream come true", commenting: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race this season.
The Frenchman's debut season 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 most impressive newcomers of the year.
His performances featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal commented: "Isack has shown impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. 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 "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
Lawson Retains His Seat
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted early in the year. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.