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Red Bull has announced significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.

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

This reshuffling sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.

A Star in the Making

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

Regarding the team's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "raw pace".

Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.

Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", commenting: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."

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

Hadjar's Big Break

The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the stand-out rookies this season.

His performances featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place 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 thrive next to Max."

Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".

Lawson Retains His Seat

To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. He has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.

The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's points total.

These announcements confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.