Red Bull Reveals Major 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, Teenager Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 standings.
The Austrian squad has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen took part in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been marked out as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "raw pace".
Red Bull has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers this season.
His performances featured an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was demoted early in the year. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.
These announcements mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
