Red Bull Announces Major 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Promoted, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 standings.
The Austrian squad has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad took part in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was marked out as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the company's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "natural quickness".
Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice 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 much to understand, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers this season.
His performances featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was demoted after just two races. However, 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 constructors' championship.
These announcements confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
