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The Austrian squad has announced a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.

Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.

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

The New British Hope

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

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

Red Bull has had a plan for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."

He has won two races in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies of the year.

His performances included an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship.

The team principal said: "Isack has shown impressive growth 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 thrive next to Max."

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

Lawson Retains His Seat

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

Lawson began the season with the main team but was demoted early in the year. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.

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

These announcements mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.