Red Bull Reveals Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Earns F1 Drive.

The Austrian squad has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.

The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.

These changes means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.

The New British Hope

Lindblad has been marked out as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

Discussing the company's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "natural quickness".

The team prepared a programme for some time to ready Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.

The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."

He has won a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers this season.

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

A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."

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

Tsunoda's Exit

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

Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was moved back early in the year. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.

The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.

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