🔗 Share this article Red Bull Reveals Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat. French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener and is 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship. The Austrian squad has announced significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat. Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB. This driver musical chairs means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons. The New British Hope Arvid Lindblad participated in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season. Lindblad has been identified as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old. Talking about the team's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "natural quickness". Red Bull has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City. The rookie said it was a "proud moment", commenting: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started." Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Hadjar's Big Break The French driver enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix in August. The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers this season. He featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship. The team principal commented: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth 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 succeed next to Max." Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "up for the challenge". The Lawson Decision For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda. Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time. Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction 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 continue in F2 for 2026.