Red Bull Announces Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Earns Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener and is 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
The Austrian squad has announced a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.
These changes results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad drove FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "pure speed".
The team prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", commenting: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 so far this season 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, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix 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 rookies this season.
He featured an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has shown great maturity 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 "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.
Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
These announcements confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
