Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.

Red Bull has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.

Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.

This driver musical chairs results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.

A Star in the Making

Lindblad has been tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

Talking about the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "natural quickness".

The team prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.

The rookie said it was a "huge honour", commenting: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."

He has won a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies this season.

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

The team principal said: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."

The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".

The Lawson Decision

To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.

The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.

The driver market moves mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.