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Red Bull has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.

The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.

This driver musical chairs results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

Lindblad has been marked out as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

Discussing the company's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", praising his "pure speed".

The team has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."

He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.

He included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship.

A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and proved to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace 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 "prepared".

Lawson Retains His Seat

To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.

The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back early in the year. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.

Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.

These announcements mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.