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The Red Bull team has announced a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.

Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.

This driver musical chairs results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

Lindblad has been tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

Talking about the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "natural quickness".

Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.

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

Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 so far this season 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 season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out newcomers this season.

His performances included an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.

A senior team figure commented: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."

The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "prepared".

The Lawson Decision

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

Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.

Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.

These announcements mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.