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The Red Bull team has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.

The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.

These changes results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

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

Regarding the team's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "pure speed".

The team prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."

Lindblad has taken two races in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies of the year.

His performances included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.

The team principal commented: "Isack has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive 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 over 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, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.

Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected 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 confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.