Red Bull Confirms Major 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Lindblad Secures Grand Prix Debut.

Red Bull has announced significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.

The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.

These changes sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.

A Star in the Making

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

Discussing the team's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "natural quickness".

Red Bull has been working for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.

Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."

He has won two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies this season.

His performances featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.

A senior team figure commented: "Isack has shown great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."

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

The Lawson Decision

For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.

The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back early in the year. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.

The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.

The driver market moves confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.