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The Austrian squad has confirmed 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 debut Formula 1 seat.

Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.

These changes results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.

A Star in the Making

The youngster was tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

Talking about the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "natural quickness".

The team has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

The rookie said it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."

He has won a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies this season.

He featured an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.

The team principal commented: "Isack has shown impressive growth and proved to be a quick learner. 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 "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "up for the challenge".

Tsunoda's Exit

To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.

The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.

These announcements mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.