Red Bull Announces Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, Teenager Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
The Austrian squad has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
These changes results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad drove first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was marked out as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the team's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "pure speed".
The team prepared a programme for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening 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 championship.
A senior team figure commented: "Isack has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was demoted after just two races. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
