Red Bull Reveals Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Lindblad Secures F1 Drive.

The Austrian squad has revealed significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.

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 sister squad Racing Bulls.

This driver musical chairs sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.

A Star in the Making

Lindblad has been tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

Regarding the team's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "natural quickness".

The team has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."

He has won two races in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out newcomers this season.

He included an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.

The team principal commented: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."

Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "up for the challenge".

The Lawson Decision

To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.

The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was demoted early in the year. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.

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

These announcements mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.