French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting tenth in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
The Red Bull team has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This driver musical chairs results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.
The British teen participated in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was marked out as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the company's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "pure speed".
The team has been working for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The French driver celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers this season.
He included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was demoted early in the year. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
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