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Red Bull has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.

The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.

These changes results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

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

Regarding the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "natural quickness".

The team has been working for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.

The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents 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 this year and is sixth in the standings heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies of the year.

His performances featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings.

A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."

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

The Lawson Decision

For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back early in the year. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.

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

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