🔗 Share this article

The Red Bull team has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.

Lindblad, 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 reshuffling means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.

The New British Hope

The youngster was marked out as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

Regarding the team's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "natural quickness".

Red Bull has been working since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

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

Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

The Frenchman's debut season began in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers 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 said: "Isack has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."

Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".

Tsunoda's Exit

To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.

The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.

Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.

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