Lawson Set to Keep Racing Bulls Seat Despite Tsolov Rumors

Liam Lawson appears secure in his Racing Bulls seat for the 2027 season, dismissing paddock whispers that Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov might replace him. Despite the internal volatility of the Red Bull driver program, analysts suggest Lawson's on-track delivery has made him indispensable to the Faenza-based squad.

Why it matters:

Lawson has evolved into the benchmark for the Racing Bulls project, proving he can handle the pressure of both a developmental role and a high-stakes substitute spot. In an ecosystem where Red Bull frequently rotates young talent, Lawson's ability to maintain pace while jumping between different machinery provides the team with rare stability and a proven point-scorer.

The details:

• Performance Driver: Lawson has been the standout performer for Racing Bulls this year, accounting for the vast majority of the team's 83 total points.
• Red Bull Cameo: When Isack Hadjar suffered a wrist fracture before the Dutch GP, Lawson stepped into the senior team, scoring points in two of three appearances despite the unfamiliar car.
• Management Approval: Team Principal Laurent Mekies praised Lawson's adaptability, noting that he exceeded expectations during his brief promotion to the main team.
• The Tsolov Factor: Nikola Tsolov, finishing second in the Formula 2 championship, is the next logical promotion from the academy, fueling rumors of a seat swap.

The big picture:

While Lawson has proven his worth, the politics of the Red Bull umbrella remain complex. Red Bull's decision to stick with Isack Hadjar for the 2027 main-team lineup leaves Lawson in a paradoxical position: he is too good to drop, yet currently blocked from the top spot. This creates a bottleneck where Lawson must continue to dominate at Racing Bulls to force another opportunity.

What's next:

With the 2027 grid beginning to take shape, Lawson is expected to remain unchanged at Racing Bulls. While the sting of being passed over for a senior promotion lingers, his current form ensures he remains a primary asset for the organization as they look to climb the constructors' standings.