Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia and is 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
Red Bull has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This driver musical chairs results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen participated in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified 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 "looks really promising", praising his "raw pace".
Red Bull has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "dream come true", commenting: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
The French driver celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies of the year.
He included an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth and demonstrated 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 succeed alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was demoted early in the year. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
