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Red Bull has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.

The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.

This driver musical chairs sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.

A Star in the Making

Lindblad has been identified as a potential future star 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 "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "natural quickness".

Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.

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

He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies this season.

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

A senior team figure commented: "Isack has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."

The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".

The Lawson Decision

To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.

The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. He has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.

Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish 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 for 2026.