Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Secures F1 Drive.

Red Bull has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.

The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.

These changes means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

Lindblad has been tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

Regarding the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", praising his "natural quickness".

The team prepared a programme for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.

The rookie said it was a "huge honour", commenting: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."

Lindblad has taken 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 on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out rookies this season.

His performances featured an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.

A senior team figure 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 alongside Max."

Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".

Lawson Retains His Seat

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

Lawson began the season with the main team but was moved back early in the year. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.

The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.

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