Red Bull Confirms Major 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Steps Up, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Earns Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia currently sitting tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 standings.
Red Bull has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
These changes means 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 in the current season.
The youngster was tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the team's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has had a plan for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar 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 on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.
His performances included an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Isack has shown great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was demoted after just two races. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
