Visa Cash App RB is set to embark on the 2026 Formula 1 season with a transformed identity on the track, confirming a fresh driver pairing and a significant technical shift under the sport’s sweeping new regulations. The Faenza-based outfit has officially announced that Liam Lawson will spearhead the team’s challenge alongside rookie talent Arvid Lindblad, marking a strategic pivot towards youth development within the Red Bull hierarchy.
This driver announcement coincides with a major engineering milestone for the squad. For the first time, the team will compete using power units developed by Red Bull Ford Powertrains, ending its long-standing engine partnership with Honda. This transition aligns Visa Cash App RB closely with its sister team, Red Bull Racing, as both organizations integrate the new generation of power units designed to meet the 2026 technical regulations. These rules mandate a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, alongside the use of 100% sustainable fuels.
Liam Lawson, the New Zealander who impressed during his initial stints and secured a full-time seat, provides continuity for the team. His retention signals confidence in his ability to lead development during a period of technical upheaval. Partnering him is Arvid Lindblad, a rising star from the Red Bull Junior Team. Lindblad’s promotion follows a rapid ascent through the junior formulas, including a strong campaign in Formula 3 and Formula 2, where he demonstrated the raw speed and maturity required for the top tier of motorsport.
The decision to field Lawson and Lindblad triggers a reshuffle across the wider Red Bull driver program. Isack Hadjar, who delivered a standout rookie season for Visa Cash App RB, has been promoted to Red Bull Racing to partner reigning world champion Max Verstappen. Meanwhile, Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda, a fixture at the team for several seasons, will transition into a test and reserve driver role for both Red Bull-owned squads. This move ensures Tsunoda remains within the family fold, providing experienced feedback as the teams adapt to the radically different 2026 cars.
Team Principal Laurent Mekies and CEO Peter Bayer have overseen these changes as part of a broader strategy to solidify the team’s standing as a competitive constructor rather than solely a junior outfit. The integration of the Red Bull Ford power unit is central to this ambition. The new partnership with Ford brings the American automotive giant back to Formula 1 after more than two decades, offering technical expertise in battery technology and electric motor development—critical components of the new regulation cycle.
The 2026 season represents a “reset” for the entire grid. Beyond the engine changes, the cars will feature active aerodynamics, reduced weight, and smaller dimensions designed to improve racing quality. For Visa Cash App RB, the combination of a bespoke new engine, a revised chassis concept, and a hungry young driver lineup presents both a challenge and an opportunity to disrupt the midfield order.
Alan Permane, the team’s Racing Director, emphasized the importance of the new lineup in navigating the technical unknowns of 2026. According to team statements, the blend of Lawson’s recent Grand Prix experience and Lindblad’s adaptability will be crucial as engineers work to optimize the package. As the sport enters this new era, Visa Cash App RB positions itself not just as a proving ground for future champions, but as a team equipped with the resources and talent to compete on its own terms.
