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The Red Bull team has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.

Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.

These changes means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.

The New British Hope

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

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

The team has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.

The rookie said it was a "huge honour", commenting: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."

Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the stand-out rookies this season.

His performances featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship.

A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has shown great maturity 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 succeed alongside Max."

Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".

The Lawson Decision

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

Lawson began the season 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, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.

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

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