Red Bull Reveals Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Steps Up, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.

Two Red Bull junior drivers

Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.

The Red Bull team has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.

Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver 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 in a Formula 1 car

The British teen took part in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.

The youngster was tagged as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

Discussing the team's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "natural quickness".

The team has been working since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.

Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", commenting: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."

Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

Isack Hadjar celebrating his podium

The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.

Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies this season.

He included an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings.

A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."

Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".

Lawson Retains His Seat

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

The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was demoted after just two races. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.

The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

These announcements confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.

Ethan Pineda
Ethan Pineda

A Berlin-based travel writer and cultural enthusiast with over a decade of experience exploring Europe's vibrant cities and countryside.