Red Bull Confirms Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Gets Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia and is 10th 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 Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
These changes results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
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.
Talking about the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has had a plan since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, 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."
He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers of the year.
His performances included an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was demoted after just two races. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.
These announcements mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
