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The Red Bull team has revealed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.

Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.

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

The New British Hope

The youngster was marked out as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

Regarding the company's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "raw pace".

Red Bull has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.

Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."

He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers this season.

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

The team principal said: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."

Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" 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 began the season with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.

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

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