Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, Youngster Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.

Two Red Bull junior drivers

Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia currently sitting tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.

The Austrian squad has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.

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 Racing Bulls.

These changes results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

Arvid Lindblad in a Formula 1 car

The British teen drove first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.

The youngster was marked out as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

Talking about the team's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", praising his "raw pace".

The team has been working for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.

The rookie said it was a "huge honour", commenting: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."

Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

Isack Hadjar celebrating his podium

Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.

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 most impressive newcomers of the year.

He included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.

A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."

Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".

Lawson Retains His Seat

For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.

Lawson began the season with the main team but was demoted after just two races. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.

Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

The driver market moves mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.

Ralph Shepherd
Ralph Shepherd

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