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The Austrian squad has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.

The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.

This driver musical chairs results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

The youngster was identified as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

Discussing the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "pure speed".

Red Bull has been working for some time to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."

He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

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

His performances included an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.

The team principal commented: "Isack has shown impressive growth and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."

Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".

Tsunoda's Exit

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

The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.

Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's points total.

The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.