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

The Austrian squad has revealed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.

Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.

This driver musical chairs sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.

A Star in the Making

The youngster was marked out as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

Discussing the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "natural quickness".

The team prepared a programme since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.

Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", commenting: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."

Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies of the year.

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

The team principal commented: "Isack has shown great maturity and proved to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace 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 the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.

Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.

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

These announcements confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.