Red Bull Reveals Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Steps Up, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.

Red Bull has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.

Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.

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

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

Lindblad has been tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

Talking about the company's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", praising his "raw pace".

The team has been working for some time to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

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

Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies this season.

His performances featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.

The team principal commented: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and proved to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."

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

Tsunoda's Exit

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

The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted early in the year. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.

The Japanese driver, meanwhile, 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 points total.

These announcements mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.