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Red Bull has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.

Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.

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

The New British Hope

The youngster was identified as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

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

The team has been working for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.

Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", 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 rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."

Lindblad has taken two races in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

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. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies of the year.

He included an excellent podium finish 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 quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."

Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "prepared".

Lawson Retains His Seat

For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

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

The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.

The driver market moves confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.