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The Austrian squad has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.

Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.

These changes results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

Lindblad has been marked out as a potential future star 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 "pure speed".

The team prepared a programme since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.

Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."

Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the stand-out rookies of the year.

His performances included an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.

A senior team figure commented: "Isack has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."

The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".

Tsunoda's Exit

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

Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.

Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.

The driver market moves confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.