Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Secures Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia and is 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
The Austrian squad has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This driver musical chairs sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad drove FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the company's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "natural quickness".
Red Bull prepared a programme for some time to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
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 first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies this season.
He included an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure said: "Isack has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
Tsunoda, 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 spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
