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The Austrian squad has announced significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.

The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.

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

A Star in the Making

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

Regarding the team's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "natural quickness".

The team has been working since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.

Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", commenting: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."

He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship ahead of the final round 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 season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers this season.

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

The team principal commented: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."

The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "prepared".

The Lawson Decision

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 moved back after just two races. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.

Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

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