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The Austrian squad has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.

The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.

This driver musical chairs means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.

A Star in the Making

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

Regarding the team's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "raw pace".

The team prepared a programme for some time to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.

The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."

He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

The Frenchman's debut season began in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out rookies this season.

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

A senior team figure said: "Isack has shown great maturity and demonstrated 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 "up for the challenge".

Tsunoda's Exit

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

Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.

Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

The driver market moves mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.