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Red Bull has announced significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.

Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.

This driver musical chairs means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

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

Discussing the company's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "pure speed".

The team has been working since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.

Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."

Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive rookies of the year.

His performances featured an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.

The team principal said: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, 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 "up for the challenge".

The Lawson Decision

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

The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was demoted after just two races. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.

Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

These announcements confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.