Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Lindblad Earns F1 Drive.

The Red Bull team has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.

The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.

These changes sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.

A Star in the Making

Lindblad has been tagged as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

Talking about the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "raw pace".

Red Bull has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

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

Lindblad has taken two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.

He included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.

A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth and proved to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."

Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".

The Lawson Decision

To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.

The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.

Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

These announcements confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.