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Red Bull has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.

Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.

This driver musical chairs means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.

A Star in the Making

Lindblad has been identified as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

Discussing the company's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "natural quickness".

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

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

He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion 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 featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.

A senior team figure commented: "Isack has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."

Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "up for the challenge".

Lawson Retains His Seat

To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was demoted early in the year. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.

The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's points total.

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