Isak Hajar will race for Purple Bull in 2026 alongside Max Verstappen, changing Hiroki Tsunoda, who will change into the staff’s reserve driver.
Purple Bull promoted Tsunoda instead of Liam Lawson after simply two races this season, however opted for an additional change with Hajar incomes a drive alongside Verstappen after a powerful rookie season. Tsunoda can be a reserve because the Racing Bulls have one other rookie in Arvid Lindblad stepping as much as race alongside Lawson.
“I’m very grateful to Oracle Purple Bull Racing for giving me the chance and belief to race on the highest degree of Formulation 1,” stated Hajjar. “It is a large reward contemplating all of the laborious work I’ve put in since becoming a member of the junior staff. I’ve had many ups and downs all through my profession they usually have believed in me and saved pushing me.
“This 12 months on the Visa Money App was actually nice for the Racing Bulls. I realized rather a lot and obtained my first podium. I really feel like I’ve change into significantly better as a racing driver and as an individual due to the assist and preparation of the staff.”
“I really feel able to go to Oracle Purple Bull Racing and I’m blissful and proud that they really feel the identical means. It will likely be nice to work with the perfect and be taught from Max. I can’t wait.”
Purple Bull will run a fourth driver alongside Verstappen in simply over 12 months when Hajar steps up in early 2026 since Sergio Perez changed Lawson after final 12 months’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Lindblad will get his first F1 likelihood alongside Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls. Mark Thompson/Getty Pictures
“Yuki has raced in Purple Bull colours for seven years and it was a pleasure to work with him on each Purple Bull groups,” stated Purple Bull Workforce Principal Laurent Mequise. “Over the previous 5 seasons in Formulation 1, Yuki has developed into an entire racer, in a position to run a very good lap on Saturday, and on Sunday present distinctive begins and glorious race approach.
“Everybody within the sport would agree that it is laborious to not like Yuki. His character is contagious, making him a really particular member of the Purple Bull household. On behalf of everybody at Purple Bull, we want to thank him for his contribution thus far and we all know he’ll present invaluable assist to our 2026 mission.”
“As for Isaac, in his first F1 season he confirmed nice maturity and proved to be a fast learner. Most significantly, he demonstrated uncooked velocity, which is the primary requirement on this sport. 2026 can be an enormous problem for the staff and for Purple Bull Ford Powertrain. It is an thrilling time and I am trying ahead to what we will do collectively.”
This promotion opened up extra spots for the Racing Bulls, and Tsunoda’s return was thought of, however Lawson saved him motivated. His new teammate Lindblad is simply 4 years into his single-seater profession to date, however the 18-year-old has two wins in F2 this season and is on observe for a top-six end.
“I wish to thank everybody at VCARB for the chance,” Lindblad stated. “It has at all times been my aim to compete in F1 since I began this journey on the age of 5, so I am proud to take this step.
“I’m extraordinarily grateful to the Purple Bull Junior Program and my private staff for his or her steerage, steerage and perception. None of this could have been doable with out their assist. 2026 can be an enormous problem and I do know I’ve rather a lot to be taught, however I’m able to work intently with the staff to get going. I can’t wait to get began. It’s going to be an thrilling 12 months!”
