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The Red Bull team has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.

Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.

These changes means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

The youngster was identified as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

Regarding the team's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "pure speed".

The team prepared a programme for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow 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 big challenge, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."

Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies of the year.

His performances included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.

A senior team figure said: "Isack has shown great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."

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

Lawson Retains His Seat

For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.

The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. He has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.

The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated 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 Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.