Racing Bulls Faces 2026 Reset After Hadjar's Promotion

Racing Bulls enjoyed a strong 2025 season, highlighted by Isack Hadjar's breakthrough podium and a sixth-place finish in the constructors' championship. This tale of two drivers—Hadjar's stellar rise and Liam Lawson's struggles—has set the stage for a major 2026 reset. The team will now field a new-look lineup of Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad as it aims to capitalize on the upcoming regulation changes.

Why it matters:

Hadjar's successful promotion validates Red Bull's junior driver program and Racing Bulls' role as a talent incubator. For a team that has often been a stepping stone, maintaining a strong identity and performance is crucial. The 2026 regulation reset presents a rare opportunity for a well-positioned midfield team like Racing Bulls to challenge the established order and solidify its place as a genuine top-five contender.

The details:

• Isack Hadjar (Promoted to Red Bull): The French rookie was the star of the show, scoring 51 points and finishing 12th in the championship. His breakthrough podium at Zandvoort was the team's first in five years and convinced Red Bull of his readiness for the senior team.
• Liam Lawson (Retained): After a brief, difficult stint at Red Bull, the New Zealander's season was marked by inconsistency. He managed 38 points with highlights like 5th in Azerbaijan but also suffered four retirements.
• Arvid Lindblad (Incoming Rookie): The 18-year-old Briton steps up from Red Bull's junior program. Despite an inconsistent Formula 2 campaign, the team is prioritizing his long-term development, fitting their strategy as a driver development squad.

What's next:

With the 2026 regulations introducing active aerodynamics and new power units, Racing Bulls believes its young driver lineup has an advantage. Unburdened by experience with previous car concepts, Lawson and Lindblad can adapt more freely to the new era. The team's strong 2025 performance, finishing ahead of Aston Martin and Alpine, provides a solid foundation to aim for a higher position in the constructors' championship under the leadership of team principal Alan Permane.