Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Secures Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 championship.
The Austrian squad has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This reshuffling sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
Arvid Lindblad participated in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been identified as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has had a plan since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", commenting: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.
Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers this season.
His performances included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure commented: "Isack has displayed great maturity and proved to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back after just two races. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's points total.
The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
