Purple Bull is more likely to delay any selections about its driver line-up till the top of this season as Yuki Tsunoda, Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson all face unsure futures.
There had been a sign {that a} name might be made previous to this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix, however sources in Mexico Metropolis recommended to RACER that’s now trying much less doubtless. With no selections having been introduced by the point the groups arrived in Interlagos, the trio of drivers ready to be taught their destiny are all seeing the ultimate 4 rounds as a chance to show themselves.
For Tsunoda, he admits which means he has not been as concerned within the growth of the 2026 automobile as teammate Max Verstappen, however he’s prioritizing his personal extra quick performances.
“I’d say in all probability not as a lot [involvement] as Max, in any respect,” Tsunoda stated. “No, I am simply absolutely targeted now for the present 12 months, 2025, and that is it.
“I’ve to maximise each race. I am certain he’ll give me extra suggestions for subsequent 12 months’s automobile and the whole lot, however what I am doing now could be a very completely different state of affairs to him, and I’ve to maintain performing in these coming races. No, I’d say I am simply specializing in this race.”
Sources recommend Hadjar is into account to switch Tsunoda at Purple Bull in 2026 after a robust rookie season, however the Frenchman says he doesn’t want early affirmation of his plans.
“I imply, to be trustworthy, it’s one thing I’m used to,” Hadjar stated. “I by no means signed a contract or had one thing introduced earlier than the top of the season in my complete profession. So I at all times needed to hold my head down and hold pushing till the very last lap. For me, it’s nothing new, and that’s the way it works with Purple Bull.”
Ought to Hadjar be promoted, it might doubtless depart both Tsunoda or Lawson to drive for Racing Bulls alongside F2 expertise Arvid Lindblad, however Lawson additionally says there have been no particular talks about what 2026 may maintain for him.
“Simply small stuff [has been discussed since Mexico], I feel extra targeted round these races, not a lot about [the future],” Lawson stated. “I feel we’re all conscious clearly that the selections are all coming in the direction of the top of this 12 months, however the message to us is identical because it’s at all times been. It is clearly to carry out.
“That’s what I am making an attempt to do, and what we’re all making an attempt to do. I feel there’s nothing actually deeper than that in the meanwhile. That is actually going to be what determines subsequent 12 months.”
Except for the Purple Bull and Racing Bulls seats, the one different emptiness on subsequent 12 months’s grid is at the moment at Alpine, the place Franco Colapinto is predicted to retain his drive.
