Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Gets Grand Prix Debut.

The Austrian squad has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.

Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.

This driver musical chairs means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.

The New British Hope

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

Discussing the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "natural quickness".

The team prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.

The rookie said it was a "huge honour", commenting: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."

He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers of the year.

His performances featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.

The team principal said: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."

Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "up for the challenge".

Lawson Retains His Seat

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

The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.

Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.

The driver market moves confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.