Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Steps Up, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Secures Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener and is tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 standings.
The Red Bull team has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
These changes means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
The British teen participated in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was marked out as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Discussing the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "raw pace".
The team has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", commenting: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies of the year.
His performances included an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship.
A senior team figure commented: "Isack has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.
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 remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
