Arvid Lindblad to replace Isack Hadjar at VCARB for F1 2026

Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team (VCARB) have announced that British-Swedish driver Arvid Lindblad will replace Isack Hadjar starting next season.

Hadjar has been confirmed as Oracle Red Bull Racing’s second driver and will partner Max Verstappen next year, opening up the spot that Lindblad will take up to partner Liam Lawson at the sister Red Bull team. 

Lindblad has been a part of the Red Bull Racing Academy since 2021 and made his Formula One debut at the 2025 British Grand Prix, where he took part in the free practice session. The 18-year-old also raced for VCARB at the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix in Free Practice Session 1.

Lindblad has previously raced in the Italian F4 Championship, the Formula 4 UAE Championship, and the Formula Regional Middle East Championship, having won the Macau Formula 4 Race and the Formula Regional Oceania Championship. He took part in the Formula 2 Championship this year with Campos Racing and finished sixth in the Drivers’ standings.

Alan Permane, Team Principal of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, commented:

“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 One.”

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 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!”

Liam Lawson 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.”