F1 commentator Martin Brundle has warned Purple Bull over “playing” with their 2026 F1 driver line-up decisions.
Purple Bull have three seats up for grabs for 2026.
Max Verstappen’s teammate for subsequent 12 months continues to be to be determined, whereas there are two seats accessible at Racing Bulls.
Isack Hadjar has loved a powerful rookie season with Racing Bulls, scoring his maiden F1 podium on the Dutch Grand Prix.
Hadjar has held a decisive edge over Liam Lawson, who was dropped by Purple Bull after two races.
Hadjar’s doable promotion may spell the tip of Yuki Tsunoda’s time in F1.
Brundle feels that Tsunoda has had “his probabilities” within the sport however believes Hadjar may want one other season earlier than going up in opposition to Verstappen.
“Yuki has had his probabilities, to be sincere,” Brundle instructed Sky F1. “Clearly Honda is transferring away from Purple Bull as nicely, with that Japanese hyperlink. You’ve obtained to look to the longer term.
“The issue is, for subsequent 12 months, there’s such a dramatic change — the most important ever within the historical past of F1 with the ability models and the chassis — that you really want expertise, you need information.
“I believe Lawson is displaying some potential and a few upside. Hadjar, I don’t suppose you wish to put him up into the primary crew. I believe he wants one other 12 months.”
Racing Bulls’ 2026 decisions
Racing Bulls should decide between Tsunoda and Lawson to guide the crew.
Given Tsunoda’s expertise in F1, his profile doesn’t match RB’s objective of discovering the subsequent Verstappen or Sebastian Vettel.
Lawson has proven flashes of tempo since his demotion and may lead the crew alongside Arvid Lindblad.
Lindblad is at the moment competing in Components 2 — F1’s fundamental junior collection — and has pushed for Purple Bull in two FP1 classes this 12 months.
“Lindblad is trying actually good, however does he want a bit extra expertise? It’s a chance,” Brundle added.
“They’ll say ‘we refer you to Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel once we put younger guys in, and in the event that they’re adequate, they will deal with it’.
“I think it’s a heavy dialogue as to whether or not they’re going to take a danger on Hadjar in the primary crew and Lindblad within the Racing Bulls.”
