🔗 Share this article

Red Bull has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing 18-year-old Briton 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.

These changes results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

The youngster was tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

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

The team has been working for some time 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 "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."

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

The Frenchman's Chance

Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers this season.

He featured an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.

A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and proved to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."

Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".

Tsunoda's Exit

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

Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.

The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

These announcements mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.