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The Austrian squad has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut 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.

This reshuffling sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.

A Star in the Making

The youngster was identified as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

Discussing the team's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", praising his "natural quickness".

Red Bull has been working for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.

Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."

Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies of the year.

He featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.

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

Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".

Lawson Retains His Seat

For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.

The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated 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.