đź”— Share this article Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Steps Up, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Earns F1 Drive. French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener currently sitting tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 championship. The Red Bull team has revealed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat. Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB. This driver musical chairs sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons. A Star in the Making Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season. The youngster was tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old. Talking about the team's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "raw pace". The team has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City. Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started." He has won a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi. Hadjar's Big Break The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season. Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers this season. He featured an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship. A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, 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 "prepared". The Lawson Decision For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda. The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit 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 P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total. These announcements confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.