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The Austrian squad has announced a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.

Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.

This reshuffling results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

Lindblad has been identified as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

Discussing the company's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "pure speed".

Red Bull has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."

He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the stand-out rookies this season.

He included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.

The team principal commented: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."

Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".

The Lawson Decision

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

Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.

The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

The driver market moves mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.