Racing Bulls' Alan Permane Backs Liam Lawson Amid Tsolov Speculation

Liam Lawson is finally finding his footing at Racing Bulls, establishing himself as the team's lead driver throughout the 2026 season. Despite his strong form and consistency, the paddock is buzzing with rumors that Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov could be the next candidate for a promotion into the seat.

Why it matters:

Lawson's career trajectory has been a rollercoaster, moving from a high-profile "super sub" to a brief, tumultuous stint at the senior Red Bull team in 2025. His current stability is critical for his long-term survival within the Red Bull ecosystem, where talent is abundant and management patience is notoriously thin.

The details:

• On-Track Performance: Lawson has emerged as the clear leader at Racing Bulls, currently leading teammate Arvid Lindblad 30-14 in the drivers' championship.
• Management Verdict: Alan Permane confirms that Lawson is delivering exactly what the team requires: raw speed, mental focus, and a significant reduction in critical errors.
• The Tsolov Threat: Nikola Tsolov is currently second in the Formula 2 championship with four wins, positioning him as a viable candidate for a 2027 promotion.
• Consistency Gains: This season marks Lawson's first full campaign with a complete pre-season program at the same team, which has directly translated into his most stable run of form to date.

What's next:

While Permane describes the surplus of talent as a "nice problem to have," Lawson's ability to maintain his gap over Lindblad will be the deciding factor. If he continues this trajectory, he may finally secure the permanent status and trust from Red Bull that has eluded him since his 2023 debut.