Red Bull Announces Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.

The Austrian squad has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.

The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.

This reshuffling means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint.

A Star in the Making

The youngster was tagged as a prodigy 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 "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "pure speed".

Red Bull has been working since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

The rookie said it was a "dream come true", commenting: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."

Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the standings heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the stand-out rookies of the year.

His performances featured an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.

A senior team figure commented: "Isack has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."

Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".

Tsunoda's Exit

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

Lawson began the season with the main team but was moved back after just two races. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.

Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.

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