Red Bull Announces Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Earns Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia currently sitting tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 championship.
The Red Bull team has announced a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This reshuffling means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen participated in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been tagged 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 "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "2026 will be 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 can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies this season.
He included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.
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 succeed alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
The Lawson Decision
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the main team but was demoted after just two races. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a difficult season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has accumulated 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.
