Helmut Marko Favors Nikola Tsolov Over Liam Lawson for Racing Bulls Seat

Helmut Marko has signaled a preference for Nikola Tsolov over Liam Lawson for a Racing Bulls seat next season, prioritizing Red Bull's internal talent pipeline over Lawson's immediate on-track results. This admission comes as the grid prepares for the final rounds of the 2026 campaign, leaving Lawson's future with the Faenza-based outfit in doubt.

Why it matters:

The decision highlights a fundamental tension within the Red Bull ecosystem: the balance between proven performance and the "homegrown" philosophy. While Lawson has emerged as a legitimate threat outside the top four teams, Marko’s leaning toward Tsolov suggests that loyalty to the junior program's development path outweighs current form.

The details:

• Lawson's Performance: The New Zealander is currently the highest-ranked driver in the standings excluding those from Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull.
• The Red Bull Cameo: Lawson's capability was further proven during his three-race stint with the senior team, where he replaced an injured Isack Hadjar and secured 14 points.
• Tsolov's Trajectory: The Bulgarian driver is currently second in the F2 championship and was the runner-up in F3 last year, making him the prime candidate for promotion.
• The Philosophy: Marko cited the late Dietrich Mateschitz's mantra, "We don't buy stars, we make stars," as the guiding principle for this preference.

The big picture:

This move underscores Red Bull's commitment to its identity as a talent incubator. For Lawson, who has consistently delivered results, the situation is a stark reminder that in the Red Bull system, being "good enough" is often secondary to fitting the organizational mold of a groomed junior.

What's next:

With only the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds remaining, the final driver lineup for 2027 remains officially unresolved. However, Marko's public endorsement of Tsolov puts Lawson in a precarious position, potentially forcing the New Zealander to look beyond the Red Bull family to secure his F1 future.