Red Bull Announces Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Earns F1 Drive.

The Red Bull team has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.

Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.

This driver musical chairs results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.

The New British Hope

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

Discussing the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "natural quickness".

The team prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.

Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", commenting: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."

He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers this season.

He included an remarkable podium finish 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 innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."

The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "up for the challenge".

Lawson Retains His Seat

For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was moved back early in the year. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.

The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.

These announcements confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.