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The Austrian squad has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.

The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.

This driver musical chairs sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.

The New British Hope

The youngster was tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

Discussing the company's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "pure speed".

Red Bull has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.

Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."

He has won a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.

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

The team principal commented: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."

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

The Lawson Decision

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

The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was demoted early in the year. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.

Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

The driver market moves confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.