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Red Bull has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.

The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.

This driver musical chairs means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint.

The New British Hope

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

Talking about the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "natural quickness".

The team has been working since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.

Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", commenting: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."

Lindblad has taken two races in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies of the year.

His performances featured an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.

The team principal said: "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 alongside Max."

Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "up for the challenge".

Tsunoda's Exit

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

Lawson began the season with the main team but was demoted early in the year. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.

Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

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