Racing Bulls: Tsolov features in 2027 plans as Lawson and Lindblad impress

Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane has confirmed that Nikola Tsolov “features” in the team’s F1 2027 driver plans, while insisting current pairing Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad are doing a “fantastic” job. The team finds itself with an embarrassment of riches, but is in no hurry to make a decision.

Why it matters:

Racing Bulls has three Red Bull-backed drivers vying for two seats, all at different stages of their careers. Lawson is proving himself in F1, Lindblad is a standout rookie, and Tsolov is dominating Formula 2. This decision will not only shape the team’s future, but could also influence Red Bull’s wider driver market moves.

The details:

• Lawson is piecing together arguably his strongest F1 season yet, while rookie Lindblad has impressed alongside him, creating a competitive and successful partnership.
• Tsolov leads the F2 standings with six race wins, including a record run of three consecutive victories across the Red Bull Ring and Silverstone.
• Over the latest three rounds, Lawson has been standing in at Red Bull for the injured Isack Hadjar. He admitted the constant car switching is “not ideal” because the RB22 and VCARB03 are “just so different to drive.”
• Tsolov got his first taste of F1 machinery in a Racing Bulls test at Imola last month, completing 690km.
• Permane: “We’re under no pressure to announce what we’re doing yet next year. Nikola, of course, features in our thoughts… I’ve got two fantastic drivers in Liam and Arvid as well. It’s a nice problem to have.”

What's next:

Permane indicated the team is in no rush to decide, traditionally waiting longer before announcing its line-up. Tsolov remains fully focused on winning the F2 title and trusts Red Bull to make the right call. Lawson, meanwhile, will continue to push his case in both cars as the season unfolds.