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The Austrian squad has announced a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.

The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.

This driver musical chairs means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.

The New British Hope

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

Regarding the team's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "pure speed".

Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.

The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager 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 sixth in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers of the year.

He featured an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.

A senior team figure commented: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."

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

The Lawson Decision

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

Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was demoted early in the year. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.

Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.

The driver market moves confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.