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The Austrian squad has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.

The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.

This driver musical chairs means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.

A Star in the Making

The youngster was identified as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

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

Red Bull prepared a programme for some time to ready Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.

The rookie said it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."

He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he spun out 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 featured an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.

The team principal said: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."

Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "prepared".

Tsunoda's Exit

To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of 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 notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.

The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected 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 confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.