Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener and is tenth in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
Red Bull has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, 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 reshuffling results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad drove first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been marked out as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", praising his "raw pace".
Red Bull has been working for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow 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 prepared to work closely with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
The French driver enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive rookies of the year.
His performances featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Lawson Retains His Seat
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction 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 remain in F2 for 2026.
