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The Austrian squad has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.

Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.

This driver musical chairs sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

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

Regarding the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "raw pace".

Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager 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 sixth in the standings heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the stand-out rookies this season.

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

A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. 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 "an awesome move" and said he felt "up for the challenge".

Tsunoda's Exit

For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was moved back early in the year. He has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.

Tsunoda, meanwhile, 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 mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.