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Red Bull has revealed significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.

Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.

This reshuffling results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

Lindblad has been identified as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

Talking about the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "pure speed".

Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.

Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."

He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies this season.

His performances included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.

The team principal said: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."

The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".

Tsunoda's Exit

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

The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.

Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place 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 programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.