Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, Teenager Lindblad Secures F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia and is 10th in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 standings.
The Austrian squad has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, 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 being without a drive following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
The British teen drove first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been marked out as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "raw pace".
Red Bull prepared a programme for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers this season.
His performances featured an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure said: "Isack has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed 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 "ready".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was demoted early in the year. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
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 constructors' championship.
These announcements confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
