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Red Bull has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first 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 sister squad VCARB.

This driver musical chairs means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.

The New British Hope

Lindblad has been marked out as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

Talking about the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "natural quickness".

The team prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.

The rookie said 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 work closely with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."

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

The Frenchman's Chance

The Frenchman's debut season began in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers this season.

He included an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.

The team principal said: "Isack has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."

The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "up for the challenge".

The Lawson Decision

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

Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.

The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.

The driver market moves mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.