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The Red Bull team has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.

The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.

These changes sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

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

Regarding the team's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "natural quickness".

Red Bull has had a plan since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.

The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait 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 season finale in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the stand-out newcomers of the year.

His performances featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.

The team principal said: "Isack has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."

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

The Lawson Decision

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

The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was demoted after just two races. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.

The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.

These announcements mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.