Red Bull Announces Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Promoted, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.

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

Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.

These changes means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

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

Regarding the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", praising his "pure speed".

The team prepared a programme for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.

The rookie said it was a "dream come true", commenting: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."

He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

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

His performances included an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.

A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to 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 opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.

Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was moved back after just two races. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.

Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's points total.

These announcements mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.