🔗 Share this article

The Austrian squad has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.

The young driver, 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 Racing Bulls.

This driver musical chairs sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint.

A Star in the Making

The youngster was identified as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

Regarding the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "raw pace".

Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.

Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", commenting: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."

He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies of the year.

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

A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."

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

Tsunoda's Exit

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

The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was demoted early in the year. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.

The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

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