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Red Bull has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden 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.

These changes results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.

A Star in the Making

The youngster was identified as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

Discussing the team's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "raw pace".

Red Bull has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."

He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies this season.

His performances included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.

A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."

Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".

The Lawson Decision

For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.

The New Zealander 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 more time.

The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place 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 programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.