🔗 Share this article Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat. French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings. Red Bull has announced significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive. The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB. These changes means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint. The New British Hope Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year. Lindblad has been marked out as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old. Talking about the team's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "pure speed". Red Bull has been working since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races. Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", commenting: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to work closely 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 championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Hadjar's Big Break The French driver enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix in August. Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers this season. He featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship. A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max." The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared". Lawson Retains His Seat To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda. The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back after just two races. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits more time. The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship. These announcements confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.