Red Bull Confirms 2026 Driver Lineup: Hadjar to Red Bull, Lindblad to Racing Bulls

Red Bull has announced its driver lineup for the 2026 Formula 1 season, with Isack Hadjar joining Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing. Yuki Tsunoda will step aside after a five-year F1 stint, while Arvid Lindblad will partner Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls, marking a significant reshuffle within the Red Bull family.

Why it matters:

This driver reshuffle signals Red Bull's long-term strategy for its F1 program, focusing on nurturing young talent from its junior ranks. Promoting Hadjar to the senior team and bringing Lindblad into Racing Bulls reflects a commitment to developing future champions. This move could redefine the team dynamics at Red Bull Racing and inject fresh energy into Racing Bulls as F1 enters a new regulatory era in 2026.

The Details:

• Isack Hadjar to Red Bull Racing: Hadjar's promotion comes after a strong rookie campaign with Racing Bulls, highlighted by a maiden podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix and a second-place finish in the 2024 F2 championship. He reportedly out-qualified teammate Liam Lawson, showcasing his raw speed.
• Yuki Tsunoda's Departure: Tsunoda will be sidelined for 2026 after four seasons with the sister squad and part of the current year with Red Bull Racing. Despite his infectious personality and growth as a racer, his performance this season, with just 30 points, likely prompted the change.
• Arvid Lindblad to Racing Bulls: The highly-rated 18-year-old British talent, Lindblad, will join Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls. Lindblad has been fast-tracked through the Red Bull development program and is on track to finish sixth in his maiden F2 season.
• Liam Lawson Stays at Racing Bulls: Lawson will continue at Racing Bulls for his first full campaign with the team, having previously had a short-lived stint with Red Bull in 2025. He has shown impressive performance, especially in challenging conditions.

Between the lines:

Red Bull's decision reflects a strong belief in its junior driver development system. Hadjar's rapid rise and Lindblad's fast-tracked progression are testament to the program's effectiveness. This youth movement also suggests Red Bull is proactively building its future roster, aiming for long-term dominance as it prepares for the new engine regulations in 2026 with Red Bull Ford Powertrains. The team is clearly prioritizing raw speed and growth potential in its selection.

What's next:

The 2026 season will mark a significant new chapter for Red Bull's F1 operations. With new regulations and a refreshed driver lineup, both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls will be looking to capitalize on these changes. The performance of Hadjar alongside Verstappen and the pairing of Lawson and Lindblad at Racing Bulls will be closely watched as the teams navigate the new era of Formula 1, with an emphasis on youthful talent driving future success.