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The Red Bull team has announced significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.

Lindblad, 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 reshuffling means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.

The New British Hope

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

Discussing the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "pure speed".

Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.

Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", commenting: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."

Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

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

His performances featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.

The team principal said: "Isack has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."

The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".

The Lawson Decision

To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.

Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was demoted after just two races. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.

The Japanese driver, 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 programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.