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The Red Bull team has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.

The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.

This reshuffling sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.

A Star in the Making

Lindblad has been 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 noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "pure speed".

Red Bull has been working since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.

Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", commenting: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."

Lindblad has taken two races in F2 this year and is sixth 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 crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.

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

A senior team figure commented: "Isack has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."

Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".

The Lawson Decision

For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.

The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.

These announcements confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.