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The Austrian squad has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.

The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.

This driver musical chairs means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.

The New British Hope

The youngster was tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 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 "natural quickness".

Red Bull prepared a programme for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", commenting: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."

He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers this season.

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

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

Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".

Lawson Retains His Seat

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

The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted early in the year. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.

The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.

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