Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Steps Up, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Secures F1 Drive.

The Austrian squad has revealed significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.

The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.

This driver musical chairs means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.

A Star in the Making

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

Discussing the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "raw pace".

The team has been working since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."

He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies of the year.

He included an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.

The team principal said: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth 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 awesome move" and said he felt "up for the challenge".

The Lawson Decision

To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.

Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.

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