Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Secures F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 standings.
The Austrian squad has announced significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad participated in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been identified as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the company's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "pure speed".
The team has had a plan since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", 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 step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies this season.
His performances featured an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Isack has displayed great maturity and proved to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at the junior team, 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 settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
