Red Bull announced major driver changes for 2026, with Arvid Lindblad earning his Formula 1 debut at just 18 years old. The British teenager joins Racing Bulls alongside Liam Lawson. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar moves up to the senior Red Bull team to partner Max Verstappen. Consequently, Yuki Tsunoda loses his race seat after five seasons in F1.
Lindblad becomes one of six British drivers on the 2026 grid. Additionally, he joins Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, George Russell, Oliver Bearman, and Alex Albon in representing Britain. However, Albon races under the Thai flag despite being born and raised in Britain.
Lindblad’s Background
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years old |
| Birthplace | Virginia Water, Surrey, England |
| Heritage | Swedish father, Indian mother |
| Red Bull Junior Since | 2021 |
| 2025 F2 Position | 6th in championship |
| F1 Practice Sessions | 2 (Silverstone, Mexico City) |
Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko identified Lindblad’s potential when the driver was just 12 years old. Specifically, Marko praised his “pure speed” and remarkable maturity. Furthermore, Marko recalled their first meeting in Portugal. “It was Arvid who was leading the conversation, with 12 years or so. That was something which is not normal,” Marko explained.
Lindblad demonstrated exceptional talent throughout his junior career. Notably, he won the Formula Regional Oceania championship in 2025. Moreover, he finished fourth in the F3 championship in 2024. During one F3 race at Silverstone, he overtook approximately 14 drivers in a single lap under tricky wet conditions.
Red Bull carefully planned Lindblad’s development to secure his F1 superlicence. Therefore, they designed a 2025 program ensuring he earned enough points for the required licence. Subsequently, he completed practice sessions at the British and Mexico City Grands Prix, finishing sixth fastest in Mexico.
2026 Racing Bulls Line-up
Driver Pairing:
- Liam Lawson (continuing, third F1 season)
- Arvid Lindblad (rookie, debut season)
Team Principal: Alan Permane
Lindblad expressed his excitement about the opportunity. “Since I started this journey at five years old, it was always my goal to be in Formula One,” he stated. “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.”
The young driver started karting at age five and progressed steadily through motorsport’s junior categories. Additionally, British Formula E world champion Oliver Rowland manages his career. This connection provides valuable guidance as Lindblad prepares for his F1 debut.
Hadjar’s promotion to Red Bull creates the opportunity for Lindblad. Indeed, the 21-year-old Frenchman impressed during his rookie season with Racing Bulls. Specifically, he secured a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix and consistently scored points throughout the season.
Team Principal Alan Permane faces an interesting challenge in managing such a young rookie. Nevertheless, Red Bull’s junior program has successfully developed numerous F1 drivers over the years. Similarly, they believe Lindblad possesses the talent and maturity needed for success.
Arvid Lindblad will be one of the youngest drivers on the 2026 grid when the season begins in Australia this March, marking another milestone in Red Bull’s tradition of promoting young talent to Formula 1.
