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Red Bull has revealed significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.

The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.

This driver musical chairs results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

The youngster was marked out as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

Talking about the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "raw pace".

The team prepared a programme since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.

The rookie said it was a "dream come true", commenting: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."

Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies this season.

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

A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."

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

Tsunoda's Exit

For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.

Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.

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