Isack Hadjar will race for Pink Bull in 2026 alongside Max Verstappen, changing Yuki Tsunoda who turns into a reserve driver for the group.
Pink 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 area one other rookie in Arvid Lindblad, who will step as much as race alongside Lawson.
“I’m so grateful to Oracle Pink Bull Racing for giving me the chance and belief to race on the highest degree of System 1,” Hadjar mentioned. “After all of the arduous work I’ve put in since becoming a member of the junior group, it’s such an amazing reward. I’ve had many ups and downs all through my profession, they usually saved believing and pushing me.
“This 12 months with Visa Money App Racing Bulls has been completely superb, I’ve learnt quite a bit and secured a maiden podium. I really feel I’m a lot better as a racing driver and an individual, because of the group‘s help and preparation.
“I really feel able to go to Oracle Pink Bull Racing and I’m completely happy and proud they really feel the identical. It’s an superior transfer, to work with the most effective and be taught from Max is one thing I can’t watch for.”
Pink Bull will run its fourth driver alongside Verstappen in simply over 12 months when Hadjar makes the step up at the beginning of 2026, following Sergio Perez being changed by Lawson after final 12 months’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Lindblad will get his first F1 alternative alongside Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls. Mark Thompson/Getty Photos
“Yuki has raced in Pink Bull colours for seven years now and I’ve had the pleasure of working with him at each Pink Bull groups,” Pink Bull group principal Laurent Mekies mentioned. “By means of his 5 seasons thus far in System 1, Yuki has matured into a whole 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 not possible to not like Yuki, his character is infectious, and he has turn into a really particular a part of the Pink Bull household. On behalf of everybody at Pink Bull, I thank him for what he has contributed thus far and we all know he’ll present invaluable help to the 2026 tasks shifting 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 observe! 2026 shall be an enormous problem for the group and for Pink 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-about, it’s Lawson who retained his drive. His new teammate Lindblad has solely accomplished 4 years in single seaters thus far in his profession, however the 18-year-old is on the right track for a prime six end after profitable two races in System 2 this season.
“I’d wish to thank everybody at VCARB for the chance,” Lindblad mentioned. “Since I began this journey at 5 years outdated, it was all the time my objective to be in System 1 so it’s a proud second to take this step.
“I’m extraordinarily grateful to the Pink Bull Junior Program and my private group for his or her steerage, mentorship and perception; none of this could have been doable with out their help. 2026 shall be an enormous problem and I do know there’s quite a bit 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 12 months!”
