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The Austrian squad has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton 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 New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.

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

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

The youngster was identified as a potential future star 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 "seems extremely gifted", commending his "raw pace".

The team has had a plan for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.

Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."

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

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive rookies of the year.

His performances included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.

A senior team figure said: "Isack has shown great maturity and proved 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 succeed next to Max."

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

The Lawson Decision

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

The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.

Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated 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 Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.