Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, Youngster Lindblad Earns Grand Prix Debut.

The promoted rookies

French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia and is tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 championship.

The Austrian squad has announced 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.

Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.

This reshuffling means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

Arvid Lindblad in a Formula 1 car

Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.

The youngster was tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

Regarding the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "natural quickness".

Red Bull has been working for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions 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 ready to work closely 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 championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

Hadjar on the rostrum

Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.

The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the stand-out newcomers this season.

His performances featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.

A senior team figure commented: "Isack has shown great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."

The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "up for the challenge".

Tsunoda's Exit

To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.

Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.

The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

These announcements confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.

Troy Bauer
Troy Bauer

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