Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Lindblad Secures Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 standings.
Red Bull has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
This driver musical chairs means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint.
A Star in the Making
The British teen drove FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "natural quickness".
Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", commenting: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the stand-out rookies of the year.
His performances included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
The team principal said: "Isack has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. He has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.
These announcements confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
