Red Bull Reveals Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Steps Up, Teenager Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.

The promoted rookies

French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting tenth in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 championship.

The Red Bull team has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.

The young driver, 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 driver musical chairs results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.

A Star in the Making

Arvid Lindblad during practice

Arvid Lindblad took part in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.

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

Regarding the company's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "pure speed".

Red Bull has been working for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.

The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."

He has won 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

Isack Hadjar celebrating his podium

The French driver celebrates 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 crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers this season.

He included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.

A senior team figure said: "Isack 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 succeed next to Max."

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

Tsunoda's Exit

For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.

Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.

Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.

Nicole Nelson
Nicole Nelson

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