Racing Bulls Says Nikola Tsolov Certainly in Their Thoughts for F1 2027 Seat
Racing Bulls F1 team principal Alan Permane infers that F2 racer and Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov remains in their thoughts for the 2027 season.
While the seats at big teams seem settled, there are only a few that are left to be taken up for the 2027 F1 season. One of the seats is at Racing Bulls, where rookie Arvid Lindblad is almost set to be retained, but the future of his teammate Liam Lawson hangs in the balance.
Lawson Has Done Well Enough to Warrant a Seat
It is not due to the Kiwi’s performances. The Kiwi has done far better this year to help Racing Bulls be fifth in the standings against Alpine. Even individually, Lawson sits ninth in the drivers’ standings with 51 points – only 20 behind Red Bull’s regular and 22 ahead of teammate Lindblad.
He has done enough to warrant a seat in the 2027 F1 season, as he currently fills in for injured Hadjar at Red Bull – getting a second opportunity with the senior team after being dropped after two races in 2025. But Lawson has competition from another youngster in the Junior programme.
Tsolov Has Also Done Enough to Warrant a Seat
The 21-year-old Tsolov is banging on the F1 door. The Bulgarian currently leads the F2 standings with Campos Racing after 10 rounds. As a full-time rookie in the feeder championship, the Red Bull Junior is doing all he needs to warrant a promotion for the 2027 season as well.
And certainly, he is in the minds of the Racing Bulls team. The ultimate decision lies with Red Bull, but there is a good chance that he is at least a reserve in 2027, if not a regular driver. A role like that with the Milton Keynes team comes with a real chance to drive at any point during the season.
Racing Bulls Keeps Tsolov in Picture for 2027
He already completed his first F1 test with Racing Bulls after the Zandvoort weekend at Imola in the VCARB02, which certainly counts as a test for the seat. “I think it’s a bit early for us,” said Permane in a press conference at the F1 Spanish GP. “Honestly, we traditionally wait a little bit longer. We’re under no pressure to announce what we’re doing yet next year.
“Nikola, of course, features in our thoughts. And he’s having an incredible season, first season in F2, leading the championship. He was quickest this morning [in F2 practice] at this track, so he’s got everything going for him. Having said that, I’ve got two fantastic drivers in Liam and Arvid as well. So, it’s a nice problem to have,” summed up Permane.