Red Bull Announces Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.

Red Bull has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.

Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.

These changes results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.

A Star in the Making

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

Talking about the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "raw pace".

Red Bull has been working since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut 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 a lot to learn, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."

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

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.

His performances included an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.

The team principal said: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."

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

Lawson Retains His Seat

For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.

Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.

The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.