Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.

The Austrian squad has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.

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

These changes sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.

A Star in the Making

The youngster was tagged as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

Regarding the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "raw pace".

Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.

The rookie said it was a "proud moment", commenting: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."

Lindblad has taken two races in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies this season.

He included an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.

A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."

The promoted driver called 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.

The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. He has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.

Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a small fraction 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.