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The Red Bull team has revealed significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.

Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.

This driver musical chairs results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive 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 company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", praising his "raw pace".

The team has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.

Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", commenting: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, 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 P6 in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the stand-out rookies of the year.

He featured an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.

A senior team figure commented: "Isack has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."

The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".

Tsunoda's Exit

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

The New Zealander began the season 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, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.

Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's points total.

The driver market moves confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.