Red Bull and Racing Bulls announce 2026 F1 line-up

By Teagan Crump

Red Bull and Racing Bulls have announced that Isack Hadjar, Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson will all be in their 2026 Formula One line-up.

📸: Pinterest

Isack Hadjar will be stepping up to Red Bull Racing in 2026, the team announced today. This news comes after much speculation from fans and media personalities alike. The Frenchman will be partnering with reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen after an impressive rookie year, scoring 51 points and a surprise podium with one round left.

In a statement, 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.”

“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 that 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.”

Arvid Lindblad is also being promoted, but is stepping up from FIA Formula Two to the pinnacle of motorsport with Racing Bulls.

📸: F1

Lindblad, who is sixth in the F2 standings with one round (2 races) left, has been supported by Red Bull since 2021, and became a member of the Red Bull Junior Team in 2022. The young Briton gained his first Formula One experience in 2024, driving Red Bull’s RB8 at a Red Bull showrun in Houston. February 2025 saw Lindblad’s first private test with Alpha Tauri in Imola. Since then Arvid Lindblad has continued to participate in Formula One, even being granted an FIA Super License aged 17. In June 2025, Lindblad made his FP1 debut with Red Bull at the British Grand Prix, setting the fourteenth fastest time. He also contested FP1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix and was sixth fastest.

In a statement, Lindblad said: 

“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.”

“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!”

The third driver announcement for today was Liam Lawson, who will be staying with Racing Bulls. 

📸: XPBimages

Despite getting demoted by Red Bull at the start of the 2025 season, Lawson has shown promise and delivered consistent results for VCARB. 

Team Principal of Racing Bulls, Alan Permane said: “Firstly, a huge congratulations to Isack. He has delivered a truly outstanding season, demonstrating exceptional race-craft and consistency well beyond his experience. He 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 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 1.”

Lindblad said: “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.

Liam Lawson then added: "I'm really looking forward to racing with VCARB in 2026. It's an opportunity I'll continue to be grateful for as we enter a year of change in F1. I'm ready to get to work with the team as we prepare for the challenging season ahead. It's going to be an exciting year and I can't wait to kick it off with my first pre-season with the team."

Yuki Tsundoa was also a driver who was the talk of the fans, and has taken a role as Red Bull Reserve Driver. This means that he loses his Red Bull seat after string of bad results

CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, Laurent Mekies said: “Yuki has raced in Red Bull colours for seven years now and I have had the pleasure of working with him at both Red Bull teams. Through his five seasons so far in Formula One, Yuki has matured into a complete racer, good over a single lap on Saturday and capable of exceptional starts and excellent race craft on Sunday."

“Everyone in the sport would agree it is impossible not to like Yuki, his personality is infectious, and he has become a very special part of the Red Bull family. On behalf of everyone at Red Bull, I thank him for what he has contributed so far and we know he will provide invaluable support to the 2026 projects moving forwards. As for Isack, in his first F1 season, he has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner."

“Most importantly, he has demonstrated the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe Isack can thrive alongside Max and produce the magic on track! 2026 will be a huge challenge for the Team and for Red Bull Ford Powertrains, these are exciting times, and I am looking forward to seeing what we can do together.”

This announcement could highlight that Red Bull Racing are making a shift towards younger drivers in the future, potentially nurturing their Junior Team talent.