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The Austrian squad has announced significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.

The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.

This reshuffling results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

The youngster was identified as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

Regarding the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "raw pace".

The team prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.

The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."

Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies of the year.

His performances featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.

A senior team figure commented: "Isack has shown great maturity and proved to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."

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

Tsunoda's Exit

To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.

Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.

The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's points total.

The driver market moves mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.