The young British driver of Racing Bulls, Arvid Lindblad, is experiencing immense joy as he prepares to make his Formula 1 debut. He will be the only rookie competing in the 2026 season.
Team roles
Among the teams that underwent the most internal changes between last season and the upcoming one in Australia, Racing Bulls stands out. From the second half of 2025, the Faenza-based team continued the season with Alan Permane as its new Team Principal, replacing Laurent Mekies, who moved to Red Bull following the dismissal of Christian Horner.
The only rookie
Regarding the drivers, Racing Bulls will field the only debutant of 2026: Arvid Lindblad. With Isack Hadjar promoted to Red Bull, the former Red Bull Junior Team member is ready for his first Formula 1 race at the Melbourne circuit after competing last season in Formula 2, as well as becoming champion in Formula Regional Oceania. “I am really excited to be in Australia for my Formula 1 debut,” the British driver said. “During the winter break, I trained hard to be in the best possible shape. Coming from Formula 2, I think the main challenge has been neck training. We spent a lot of time in the simulator, which helped me get comfortable before hitting the track. Having three separate test sessions this year was very important, so I tried to make the most of every lap to learn something new and feel more at ease with the car. The 2026 cars are obviously very different; I think the power unit is probably the most important change, and driver feedback has a bigger influence than in the past. Last weekend I had the chance to drive at the Red Bull Moto Jam in Delhi. It was a really special event and honestly the best way to start the F1 season. It’s always great when I go to India, and this time I really had the opportunity to engage with and excite Indian fans, while celebrating my Indian roots with my mother and grandparents. Now I am fully focused and ready for Melbourne, which is one of my favorite cities in the world. Albert Park is a really challenging circuit, with high-speed corners and heavy braking; it feels like driving on a street circuit with walls so close. I have driven here in F3 and F2, and it was thrilling, so I can’t wait to drive an F1 car on this iconic track. I have dreamed of this moment since I was a child, and it is something I have worked toward my whole life, so the fact that it is coming true is really special. I can’t wait to get started and I just want to thank everyone who has helped me settle in and feel as comfortable as possible so far!”
A new chapter
A new chapter will also begin for Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls. Having replaced Daniel Ricciardo in 2023 and 2024 (first due to the Australian’s injury and later following Daniel Ricciardo’s dismissal), the New Zealander will start his first full season with the team from the opening race of the championship. In 2025, he had been promoted to Red Bull, but his experience with the Anglo-Austrian team lasted only two races. “I’m really excited for the first round in Melbourne, which marks the start of the new season. Even though the winter break was short, it was fantastic to spend some time at home in New Zealand with friends and family to recharge and prepare physically for a demanding 2026. This year there are many unknowns, with new regulations and new cars, which means we will be learning and adapting continuously throughout the year, and that is exciting for this sport. The recent Bahrain tests were a good example: understanding the reliability of the car and the power unit, both of which were dependable throughout the week. Preparation is key to entering this new era of F1, so this is the constant focus. Melbourne will feel almost like a home race for me, so I can’t wait to meet the local fans and experience that atmosphere, which is always really special.”
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