Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Steps Up, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Secures Grand Prix Debut.

The promoted rookies

Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia currently sitting tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 standings.

The Austrian squad has revealed significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.

The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.

These changes means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.

The New British Hope

Arvid Lindblad during practice

Arvid Lindblad drove first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.

The youngster was tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

Talking about the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "pure speed".

Red Bull has been working for some time to ready Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.

The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."

He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

Hadjar on the rostrum

Isack Hadjar celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.

The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies this season.

He featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.

The team principal said: "Isack has shown impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."

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

Tsunoda's Exit

For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.

Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was moved back early in the year. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.

Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

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

Robert Martin
Robert Martin

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