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The Austrian squad has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.

The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.

This reshuffling means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.

The New British Hope

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

Talking about the team's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "pure speed".

Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.

Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", commenting: "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 meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."

Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers this season.

His performances featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.

A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."

Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".

Lawson Retains His Seat

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

The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted early in the year. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.

The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

These announcements mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.