The 2026 Formula One grid has been completed, as Racing Bulls and Red Bull announced their driver lineups for the 2026 season.
Racing Bulls announced that their 2026 lineup would include Liam Lawson, who will be entering his second full season of F1, and rookie Arvid Lindblad, who will become the first Formula One driver born in 2007 next year, debuting at 18 years-old next year.
A statement from Team Principal Alan Permane read:
“Firstly, a huge congratulations to Isack [Hadjar]. He has delivered a truly outstanding season, demonstrating exceptional race-craft and consistency well beyond his experience.
He continued:
“He [Hadjar] has fully earned his step up to Red Bull Racing and we wish him nothing but the best as he takes on this exciting new challenge in his career – we are proud to have been part of the journey.
“Liam [Lawson] has shown impressive performance and professionalism throughout this year, he has excelled when conditions have been at their hardest and we look forward to building on this in 2026, while Arvid’s rapid progression marks him as one of the standout young talents in the sport.
“Together, they form a strong and dynamic pairing, one that embodies the ambition and youthful spirit of VCARB as we enter a transformative new era for Formula One.”
Lindblad stated:
“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 One so it’s a proud moment to take this step.
“I’m extremely grateful to the Red Bull Junior Programme and my personal team for their guidance, mentorship and belief; none of this would have been possible without their support.
“2026 will be a big challenge and I know there’s a lot to learn, but I’m ready to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can’t wait to get started, it’s going to be an exciting year!”
Lindblad is set to finish sixth in his rookie season of Formula 2, the same position that 2025 rookie Kimi Antonelli finished last year. With this move, Lindblad becomes the sole rookie in 2026 in F1. He will be replacing Isack Hadjar at Racing Bulls, with the 21 year-old Frenchman being promoted to the senior Red Bull team to replace Yuki Tsunoda, partnering Max Verstappen, who could win the 2025 title this weekend in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar has impressed many in his rookie season in the sport, with French media dubbing him ‘Le Petite Prost’ after four-time Formula One champion Alain Prost.
Tsunoda and Hadjar have had contrasting fortunes in 2025, with Tsunoda scoring 7.6% of Red Bull’s points this year (33) and being beaten by Verstappen in every qualifying session this season barring Qatar’s Sprint.
Hadjar meanwhile, has beaten Lawson 13-6 in races this year, scoring 51 points compared to Lawson’s 38.
Hadjar said:
“I’m so grateful to Oracle Red Bull Racing for giving me the opportunity and trust to race at the highest level of Formula One. 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.
He added:
“This year with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls has been absolutely amazing, I’ve learnt a lot and secured a maiden podium. I feel I’m much better as a racing driver and a person, due to the Team‘s support and preparation. I feel ready to go to Oracle Red Bull Racing and I am happy and proud they feel the same. It’s an awesome move, to work with the best and learn from Max is something I can’t wait for.”
The Red Bull second seat alongside Verstappen is a poison chalice, with Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, Lawson and Tsunoda all failing in the seat, Hadjar will be looking to break the curse next year, and aid Red Bull in what is a new era for Formula One.
Tsunoda will be Red Bull’s test and reserve driver next year, with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend being Tsunoda’s final chance to take a maiden Formula One podium and to help aid Verstappen in his championship bid.
