Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Earns F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 championship.
Red Bull has announced significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
This driver musical chairs sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
The British teen drove FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was marked out as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the team's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "pure speed".
Red Bull prepared a programme for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", commenting: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.
His performances featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure 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 "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
Lawson Retains His Seat
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the main team but was moved back after just two races. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
