Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener and is 10th in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 championship.
The Red Bull team has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
This driver musical chairs results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
The British teen drove FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was marked out as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Discussing the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", commenting: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers this season.
He featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and proved to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted early in the year. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
