🔗 Share this article Red Bull Announces Major 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, Youngster Lindblad Gets Grand Prix Debut. French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia and is tenth in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings. The Austrian squad has revealed significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive. The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls. This driver musical chairs means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1. A Star in the Making The British teen participated in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season. Lindblad has been identified as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old. Discussing the team's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "raw pace". The team has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races. The rookie said it was a "proud moment", commenting: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to collaborate 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 sixth in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Hadjar's Big Break Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix in August. The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies of the year. His performances included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings. The team principal commented: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max." Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared". The Lawson Decision 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 settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season. The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, 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 programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.