Lawson Shrugs Off Tsolov Seat Rumors as Red Bull Junior's F2 Surge Continues

Liam Lawson says he is not distracted by growing speculation that Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov could eventually target his Racing Bulls seat, insisting his sole focus remains on delivering strong results before the summer break. Despite Tsolov's historic Formula 2 run fueling rumors of a 2027 promotion, both Lawson and team principal Alan Permane have publicly dismissed any suggestion that the Kiwi’s drive is under immediate threat.

Why it matters:

The Red Bull driver program has a well-documented history of ruthless, performance-based roster changes, meaning no junior driver can afford to become complacent. Tsolov’s rapid ascent has intensified scrutiny on Lawson, who is still working to fully cement his place within the senior Red Bull ecosystem after his own promotion from the junior ranks. With Red Bull never shy about shaking up its lineup, even distant speculation can quickly harden into reality if results falter.

The details:

• Tsolov has become the first F2 driver to win three consecutive races since the series was rebranded from GP2, completing a Silverstone double and taking the Austria feature race victory.
• The Bulgarian’s championship lead and dominant form have placed him firmly in the conversation for a Formula 1 seat in 2027.
• Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane rejected reports of an imminent swap, stating: "They're just rumours. Honestly, we haven't even discussed it. Not at all."
• Lawson acknowledged that Red Bull's environment often generates speculation but said he has learned not to get caught up in the noise, focusing instead on continuing his recent strong form through the next few races.
• The 23-year-old also reflected on his journey to Formula 1 via Japan's Super Formula, admitting the reality differs from childhood expectations but expressing gratitude for living a lifelong dream.

What's next:

Lawson is targeting more strong performances leading into the summer break to solidify his position rather than worrying about Red Bull’s long-term driver plans. Meanwhile, Tsolov’s trajectory suggests he will remain a prominent figure in the 2027 driver market, though no official plans have been confirmed for his promotion to the senior roster.