Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Steps Up, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is 10th in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.
The Red Bull team has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen participated in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been identified as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has been working for some time to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", commenting: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
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 been one of the stand-out rookies this season.
He featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Lawson Retains His Seat
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was demoted after just two races. He has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
These announcements confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
