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Red Bull has revealed significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.

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

This driver musical chairs sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.

A Star in the Making

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

Discussing the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "raw pace".

Red Bull prepared a programme for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.

The rookie said it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."

Lindblad has taken two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies this season.

He included an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship.

The team principal commented: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."

The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "prepared".

The Lawson Decision

To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was moved back early in the year. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.

The Japanese driver, in contrast, 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 points total.

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