Isack Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is 10th in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.
The Austrian squad has revealed significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.
These changes sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad participated in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was marked out as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the team's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "raw pace".
Red Bull prepared a programme for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and step up. 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.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers this season.
He included an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was demoted early in the year. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
These announcements mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
