🔗 Share this article Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat. Isack Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting tenth in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 championship. The Red Bull team has revealed significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat. Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB. This reshuffling sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1. The New British Hope The British teen participated in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year. Lindblad has been identified as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old. Talking about the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "natural quickness". Red Bull has had a plan for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races. The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started." He has won two races in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi. A Major Opportunity for Hadjar Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix in August. The Frenchman's debut season began in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out newcomers this season. His performances featured an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings. The team principal said: "Isack has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max." The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "up for the challenge". Tsunoda's Exit To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda. The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. He has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season. The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship. The driver market moves confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.