This weekend, Ford is returning to Formula 1 for the first time in 22 years, showcasing new Red Bull Ford Powertrains at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Drivers on the two teams range from four-time world champion Max Verstappen and the only rookie in the field, 18-year-old Arvid Lindblad.
Meet the drivers we’ll be cheering on this season.
Max Verstappen
For four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen, racing runs in the family. Born in Hasselt, Belgium, he’s the son of former F1 driver Jos Verstappen and karting champion Sophie Kumpen.
Over his career, Verstappen has redefined modern Formula 1 through his aggressive style and relentless pursuit of victory.
Verstappen made history in 2015 when he became the youngest driver to compete in Formula 1 at just 17 years old. A year later, he secured his first victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, becoming the youngest race winner in the sport's history.
Driving for Red Bull Racing, he won his first World Drivers' Championship in 2021 after a legendary, season-long battle with rival Lewis Hamilton.
Since that breakthrough, Verstappen has evolved into a dominant force, securing consecutive titles in 2022 and 2023 while shattering numerous records, including the most wins in a single season.
Known for his clinical precision, exceptional car control in wet conditions, and uncompromising racecraft, he has established himself as one of the greatest talents to ever sit in a cockpit.
Off the track, you’ll likely find Verstappen squarely focused in the racing simulator; but with a clean slate, and new cars this season, everything’s changed, so watch to see whether he can come out on top again.
Isack Hadjar
This year, Isack Hadjar has a new racing suit — and the chance of a lifetime. Born in Paris, Hadjar’s rapid ascent through the junior categories was defined by his raw speed and an uncompromising racing style that earned him high praise from the Red Bull leadership.
He first caught the attention of the motorsport world in 2021 with impressive performances in the Formula Regional European Championship. This momentum carried into his 2022 FIA Formula 3 rookie campaign, where he was a title contender until the final round, ultimately finishing fourth. His ability to extract maximum performance from the car in both qualifying and race trim marked him as a standout talent.
In 2023 and 2024, Hadjar moved up to FIA Formula 2. His 2024 season was particularly stellar, characterized by multiple Feature Race wins and a consistent lead in the championship standings for much of the year. Earning a coveted seat in F1 in 2025 with the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls team, Hadjar stood atop the podium for the first time after securing a 3rd place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.
For 2026, he’s just been promoted to the coveted spot on the Oracle Red Bull team alongside Max Verstappen. With his vocal passion and aggressive overtaking maneuvers, anything is possible for Hadjar, and he’s certainly got his sights set on the podium.
Liam Lawson
At age 6, Liam Lawson was given his first go-kart — and he’s kept his foot on the gas ever since. Born in Hastings, New Zealand, Lawson has established himself as one of the most versatile and prepared talents in the Red Bull stable. After success in the karting world, Lawson and his family moved to Europe so he could climb the single-seater ladder.
He famously developed a reputation for winning on his debut in almost every category he entered, including the Toyota Racing Series, Formula 3, and Formula 2.
In 2023, Lawson’s career reached a pivotal turning point. While competing in the Japanese Super Formula championship, where he ultimately finished as runner-up, he received the call of a lifetime: to replace an injured Daniel Ricciardo at Scuderia AlphaTauri.
Despite the short notice, he delivered a series of remarkably composed performances, most notably scoring points with a ninth-place finish at the demanding Singapore Grand Prix.
His ability to perform under extreme pressure and adapt quickly to F1 cars instantly earned him widespread acclaim.
Following a stint as a reserve driver, Lawson was promoted back to a full-time race seat with RB in late 2024. This year, he’s driving for the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls team, (powered by A Red Bull Ford Power Unit). The 2026 F1 season will feature new cars and new regulations, so this might be Lawson’s year to, once again, show the world how quickly he adapts.
Arvid Lindblad
Arvid Lindblad can pilot an F1 car around the world’s most demanding race circuits, but he still doesn’t have his driving license.
Regarded as one of the most promising talents in F1, the 18-year-old British driver began his journey in karting at the age of 5, and he quickly gained international recognition for his natural pace, technical feedback, and tactical maturity.
Racing through the ranks, Lindblad transitioned to formula cars in 2023, competing in the Italian F4 and Euro 4 Championships. He made an immediate impact, securing numerous victories and finishing at the sharp end of the standings.
His standout performance that year came at the Macau Grand Prix, where he dominated the Formula 4 category, proving his ability to handle the world’s most challenging tracks.
In 2024, Lindblad leveled up to the FIA Formula 3 Championship and delivered a historic performance by winning both the Sprint and Feature races during the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone. That season, he became the youngest ever F3 race winner at 16 years old.
His clinical consistency and aggressive racecraft continued to fast-track his progression, leading to a confirmed seat in Formula 2 for 2025, where he became the youngest winner in F2 series history. As if that wasn’t enough, Lindblad was also granted his FIA Super License (which qualified him to race in F1).
This year, Lindblad is making his debut in F1 behind the wheel of the VCARB 03 car. (with the Red Bull Ford Power unit, of course). He’ll have 24 races during the season to prove he’s got what it takes, and maybe he can also find time to take his driving exam.
Viewers can watch the action on Apple TV in the U.S., on Sky Sports in the U.K., and via F1TV streaming worldwide.
Jay Ward is director of global Ford Racing communications.
