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The Red Bull team has announced significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden 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 Racing Bulls.

This driver musical chairs means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.

A Star in the Making

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

Discussing the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "pure speed".

Red Bull has had a plan for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

The rookie said it was a "huge honour", commenting: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."

He has won two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he crashed on the formation 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 remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship.

A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."

The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "up for the challenge".

Tsunoda's Exit

To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.

The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.

Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

The driver market moves confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.