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Red Bull has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.

The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.

This reshuffling results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.

A Star in the Making

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

Discussing the company's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "raw pace".

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

The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a massive test, 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 this year and is P6 in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies this season.

He featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.

The team principal said: "Isack has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."

Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "prepared".

Tsunoda's Exit

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

Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was moved back after just two races. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.

The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

The driver market moves mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.