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The Red Bull team has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.

The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.

This driver musical chairs sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.

The New British Hope

Lindblad has been tagged as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

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

The team prepared a programme for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.

The rookie said it was a "proud moment", commenting: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."

He has won a couple of victories 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

Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies of the year.

He included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.

A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has shown 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."

Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".

Lawson Retains His Seat

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

Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.

The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.