Isack Hadjar will formally develop into Max Verstappen’s new Pink Bull team-mate within the 2026 Components 1 season changing Yuki Tsunoda, whereas Arvid Lindblad joins Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls.
Hadjar can be promoted from Racing Bulls after a powerful rookie marketing campaign, which yielded a breakthrough podium for the then-20-year-old Frenchman on the Dutch Grand Prix. The 2024 F2 runner-up additionally took a brace of sixth-place finishes to sneak into the highest 10 within the drivers’ standings, having the measure of team-mate Lawson in qualifying.
It means Tsunoda is about for a season on the sidelines after a five-year stint in F1, 4 of which got here at Pink Bull’s sister squad. The 25-year-old then joined Pink Bull for spherical three of this 12 months, however he has underperformed by scoring simply 30 factors to take a seat fifteenth within the standings whereas Verstappen is in title competition. He’ll function Pink Bull’s reserve driver subsequent 12 months.
Hadjar mentioned: “I’m so grateful to Pink Bull for giving me the chance and belief to race on the highest stage of Components 1. After all of the laborious work I’ve put in since becoming a member of the Junior Workforce, it’s such an excellent reward. I’ve had many ups and downs all through my profession, and so they saved believing and pushing me.
“This 12 months with Racing Bulls has been completely wonderful, I’ve learnt lots and secured a maiden podium. I really feel I’m a lot better as a racing driver and an individual, because of the staff‘s assist and preparation.
“I really feel able to go to Pink Bull and I’m completely satisfied and proud they really feel the identical. It’s an superior transfer, to work with the very best and study from Max is one thing I can’t watch for.“
Yuki Tsunoda, Pink Bull Racing, Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Workforce
Photograph by: Pink Bull Content material Pool
Pink Bull boss Laurent Mekies, who beforehand labored as staff principal of Racing Bulls, added: “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 consider Isack can thrive alongside Max and produce the magic on observe! 2026 can be an enormous problem for the staff and for Pink Bull Ford Powertrains, these are thrilling instances, and I’m wanting ahead to seeing what we will do collectively.”
Lawson will keep on at Racing Bulls for what can be his first full marketing campaign on the similar outfit, having began the 2025 season with a short-lived Pink Bull stint.
The New Zealander can be partnered by highly-rated British expertise Lindblad. The 18-year-old, who was fast-tracked via the Pink Bull improvement programme, is heading in the right direction to complete sixth in his maiden F2 marketing campaign this season.
“I’d wish to thank everybody at VCARB for the chance. Since I began this journey at 5 years previous, it was at all times my objective to be in Components 1 so it’s a proud second to take this step,” mentioned Lindblad, who has contested two follow periods this 12 months for Pink Bull.
“I’m extraordinarily grateful to the Pink Bull Junior Programme and my private staff for his or her steering, mentorship and perception; none of this could have been doable with out their assist. 2026 can be a giant problem and I do know there’s lots to study, however I’m able to work carefully with the staff and rise to it. I can’t wait to get began, it’s going to be an thrilling 12 months.”
Arvid Lindblad, Pink Bull Racing
Photograph by: Andy Hone/ LAT Photographs through Getty Photographs
Racing Bulls staff principal Alan Permane mentioned: “Firstly, an enormous congratulations to Isack. He has delivered a very excellent season, demonstrating distinctive race-craft and consistency properly past his expertise. He has totally earned his step as much as Pink Bull Racing and we want him nothing however the very best as he takes on this thrilling new problem in his profession – we’re proud to have been a part of the journey.
“Liam has proven spectacular efficiency and professionalism all through this 12 months, he has excelled when situations have been at their hardest and we stay up for constructing on this in 2026, whereas Arvid’s speedy development marks him as one of many standout younger skills within the sport. Collectively, they type a powerful and dynamic pairing, one which embodies the ambition and youthful spirit of VCARB as we enter a transformative new period for Components 1.”
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