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The Austrian squad has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.

Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.

This reshuffling means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.

A Star in the Making

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

Discussing the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "raw pace".

The team prepared a programme for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.

The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."

He has won a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

The Frenchman's debut season began in difficult fashion when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.

His performances featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.

The team principal commented: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."

The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "up for the challenge".

Lawson Retains His Seat

To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.

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

Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

The driver market moves confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.