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

Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.

This driver musical chairs means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

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

Talking about the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "natural quickness".

The team prepared a programme since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."

Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the stand-out rookies this season.

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

A senior team figure said: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated 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."

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

Tsunoda's Exit

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

Lawson began the season with the main team but was moved back early in the year. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.

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

These announcements confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.