Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Secures F1 Drive.

Red Bull has announced significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.

Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.

This reshuffling means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

The youngster was identified as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

Discussing the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "raw pace".

Red Bull has been working since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.

The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."

He has won two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers this season.

He included an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.

A senior team figure commented: "Isack has shown impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."

Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "prepared".

Tsunoda's Exit

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

The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.

The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.

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