Isack Hadjar will race for Purple Bull in 2026 alongside Max Verstappen, changing Yuki Tsunoda who turns into a reserve driver for the group.
Purple Bull promoted Tsunoda rather than Liam Lawson after simply two races of this season, however has now opted to make one other change, with Hadjar impressing in his rookie marketing campaign and incomes the drive alongside Verstappen. Tsunoda will turn into a reserve as Racing Bulls will subject one other rookie in Arvid Lindblad, who will step as much as race alongside Lawson.
“I’m so grateful to Oracle Purple Bull Racing for giving me the chance and belief to race on the highest degree of System 1,” Hadjar stated. “After all of the arduous work I’ve put in since becoming a member of the junior group, it’s such an excellent reward. I’ve had many ups and downs all through my profession, and so they stored believing and pushing me.
“This yr with Visa Money App Racing Bulls has been completely superb, I’ve learnt rather a lot and secured a maiden podium. I really feel I’m a lot better as a racing driver and an individual, as a result of group‘s help and preparation.
“I really feel able to go to Oracle Purple Bull Racing and I’m pleased and proud they really feel the identical. It’s an superior transfer, to work with the perfect and be taught from Max is one thing I can’t await.”
Purple Bull will run its fourth driver alongside Verstappen in simply over 12 months when Hadjar makes the step up initially of 2026, following Sergio Perez being changed by Lawson after final yr’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Lindblad will get his first F1 alternative alongside Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls. Mark Thompson/Getty Photographs
“Yuki has raced in Purple Bull colours for seven years now and I’ve had the pleasure of working with him at each Purple Bull groups,” Purple Bull group principal Laurent Mekies stated. “Via his 5 seasons to date in System 1, Yuki has matured into an entire racer, good over a single lap on Saturday and able to distinctive begins and glorious race craft on Sunday.
“Everybody within the sport would agree it’s inconceivable to not like Yuki, his persona is infectious, and he has turn into a really particular a part of the Purple Bull household. On behalf of everybody at Purple Bull, I thank him for what he has contributed to date and we all know he’ll present invaluable help to the 2026 tasks transferring forwards.
“As for Isack, in his first F1 season, he has displayed nice maturity and proved to be a fast learner. Most significantly, he has demonstrated the uncooked velocity that’s the primary requirement on this sport. We imagine Isack can thrive alongside Max and produce the magic on monitor! 2026 can be an enormous problem for the group and for Purple Bull Ford Powertrains, these are thrilling occasions, and I’m wanting ahead to seeing what we will do collectively.”
The promotion opened up a spot at Racing Bulls, and whereas a return for Tsunoda was thought of, it’s Lawson who retained his drive. His new teammate Lindblad has solely accomplished 4 years in single seaters to date in his profession, however the 18-year-old is heading in the right direction for a prime six end after profitable two races in System 2 this season.
“I’d prefer to thank everybody at VCARB for the chance,” Lindblad stated. “Since I began this journey at 5 years outdated, it was all the time my purpose to be in System 1 so it’s a proud second to take this step.
“I’m extraordinarily grateful to the Purple Bull Junior Program and my private group for his or her steerage, mentorship and perception; none of this is able to have been attainable with out their help. 2026 can be a giant problem and I do know there’s rather a lot to be taught, however I’m able to work carefully with the group and rise to it. I can’t wait to get began, it’s going to be an thrilling yr!”
