Red Bull confirms 2026 driver line-ups: Hadjar to step up, Lindblad to make F1 debut

Red Bull has officially confirmed its complete driver line-ups for the 2026 Formula 1 season, revealing significant changes in both the main team and its junior squad, Racing Bulls. The announcement includes a promotion for one of the programme’s standout prospects, the long-anticipated F1 debut of another rising star, while Yuki Tsunoda will step away from a race seat.

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The headline news is the arrival of Isack Hadjar, who will race alongside Max Verstappen at the main Red Bull team. The French driver, currently impressing in his first full F1 season, earns the promotion after a strong campaign that placed him among the standout newcomers on the grid.

Hadjar becomes Verstappen’s fourth team-mate in just over a year, following the departures of Sergio Pérez at the end of 2024, and the short-term stints of Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda. Despite Hadjar pomotion, Tsunoda stays in the team as reserve driver for 2026.

"I’m so grateful to Red Bull for giving me the opportunity and trust to race at the highest level of Formula 1. After all the hard work I have put in since joining the Junior Team, it’s such a great reward. I’ve had many ups and downs throughout my career, and they kept believing and pushing me," said Hadjar.

Red Bull sees similarities between Isack Hadjar and Max Verstappen

F1 Isack Hadjar Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing

Lindblad joins Lawson at Racing Bulls

At Racing Bulls, Arvid Lindblad will step into a full-time race seat alongside Liam Lawson. The 18-year-old has been one of the biggest rising stars in the Red Bull Junior Team and made headlines this year by participating in two Free Practice 1 sessions at Silverstone and in Mexico City.

"I’d like to thank everyone at VCARB for the opportunity. Since I started this journey at five years old, it was always my goal to be in Formula 1 so it’s a proud moment to take this step," said Lindblad.

James Whitaker

James Whitaker is a British sports journalist with a strong focus on Formula 1 and MotoGP. Known for his clear and engaging style, he delivers the latest news and easy-to-follow analysis from the fast-paced world of motorsport. His work aims to make the complexities of racing accessible to both hardcore fans and casual readers alike. Whether covering the drama of a Grand Prix weekend, breaking down technical developments or highlighting standout performances, James brings a passion for racing and a journalist’s eye for detail to every story he tells.