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The Red Bull team has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.

Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.

This driver musical chairs results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.

The New British Hope

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

Talking about the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "raw pace".

The team prepared a programme for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

The rookie said it was a "huge honour", commenting: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."

He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

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

His performances featured an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.

The team principal said: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."

Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".

Tsunoda's Exit

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

The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was demoted after just two races. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.

The Japanese driver, meanwhile, 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 constructors' championship.

These announcements mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.