Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia and is tenth in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 standings.
The Austrian squad has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad drove 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.
Regarding the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "pure speed".
The team has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential 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: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies this season.
His performances included an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure said: "Isack has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted early in the year. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.