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The Red Bull team has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.

The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.

This reshuffling results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

The youngster was marked out as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

Regarding the team's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "natural quickness".

Red Bull prepared a programme for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.

Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."

Lindblad has taken two races in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out rookies this season.

He featured an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.

The team principal said: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."

The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".

The Lawson Decision

For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

Lawson began the season with the main team but was demoted early in the year. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.

The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's points total.

These announcements mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.