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The Austrian squad has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.

Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.

These changes results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

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

Talking about the company's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", praising his "natural quickness".

The team prepared a programme for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.

Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", commenting: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."

Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers this season.

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

The team principal commented: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."

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

The Lawson Decision

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

Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was demoted early in the year. He has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.

Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.