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The Austrian squad has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.

Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.

This driver musical chairs means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

Lindblad has been marked out as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

Discussing the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "natural quickness".

Red Bull has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

The rookie said it was a "dream come true", commenting: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."

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

The Frenchman's Chance

The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, 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 sits 10th in the drivers' standings.

A senior team figure commented: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."

The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".

Lawson Retains His Seat

To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted early in the year. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.

Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.

These announcements mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.