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The Austrian squad has revealed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.

Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.

These changes means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.

A Star in the Making

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

Regarding the team's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "raw pace".

The team has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.

Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", commenting: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."

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

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies of the year.

His performances included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.

A senior team figure said: "Isack has shown great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."

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

Lawson Retains His Seat

For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.

The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit 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 scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.

These announcements mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.