A new British talent is set to join the Formula 1 grid, as Arvid Lindblad was officially confirmed as a race driver for the 2026 season. The 18-year-old Red Bull Junior Team member will graduate to the pinnacle of motorsport, securing a seat with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB). This highly anticipated move validates Lindblad’s meteoric rise through the feeder series ranks.
Lindblad will partner New Zealand driver Liam Lawson, forming a youthful and dynamic pairing for the Red Bull sister team. The Anglo-Swede, who is currently competing in his rookie Formula 2 season, will become the youngest driver on the 2026 F1 grid. His promotion is part of a major driver reshuffle within the Red Bull program that also sees Isack Hadjar move up to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing.
Lindblad expressed profound gratitude to the Red Bull Junior Programme, stating, “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.” His rapid ascent, which included becoming the youngest race winner in both F3 and F2 history, demonstrates the aggressive approach Red Bull takes in promoting its most promising talent.
The Arvid Lindblad Formula 1 2026 debut will coincide with F1’s introduction of significant new technical regulations, presenting a major, yet exciting, challenge for the young driver. Team Principal Alan Permane praised Lindblad’s rapid progression, noting his place as one of the sport’s standout young talents for the new era of Formula 1.
