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Red Bull has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.

Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.

These changes results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.

A Star in the Making

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

Discussing the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "pure speed".

The team has been working for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.

Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", commenting: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."

He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies this season.

His performances included an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.

The team principal said: "Isack has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."

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

Lawson Retains His Seat

To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back early in the year. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.

Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

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