Liam Lawson's Formula One future remains uncertain despite reports after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix that Racing Bulls were on the verge of handing the New Zealander a new contract. Lawson has been kept waiting to learn what his future holds despite having had a strong season on paper.
Strong season on paper
He sits ninth in the drivers' standings, with 89 points scored, more than any other driver who doesn't race for a 'big four' team, and has played a key role in helping Racing Bulls to finish fifth in the constructors' championship. After another strong result in Sao Paulo, where he finished seventh having qualified well to start the race third when penalties for other drivers were applied, it was widely reported that the team had finally been convinced that Lawson has done enough to win a contract extension.
Yet, no such deal has been signed as it stands. But Racing Bulls have made another decision, one which shows that they do not seem to have yet made a final call on who will drive for them in 2027.
Tsolov gets another chance
The team is hosting a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) session at the Hungaroring near Budapest this week, with two days of running scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. Behind the wheel of one of their older Honda-powered cars will be Nikola Tsolov, the other driver in the running for the seat.
The team was impressed with how Formula 2 driver Tsolov performed in the hour of practice he drove on the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, behind the wheel of Lawson's car. And now he will get another chance to show what he can do, albeit in older machinery.
Two seats, three drivers
Racing Bulls have two seats available for 2027 but, with Tsolov, three drivers who could fill them. Arvid Lindblad has had a strong debut season in F1 and, while he has yet to be given a contract extension, the British teenager's place is not believed to be under threat.
That leaves a straight fight for the other seat between Lawson and Tsolov. That is despite the New Zealander having comfortably out-performed Lindblad this season and scored the vast majority of the team's points.
Lawson's problem is that his performances this season are only part of Racing Bulls' consideration. The team needs to also take into account its status as the feeder team to the main Red Bull outfit and so their primary objective is to develop drivers for the future.
While Lawson's time in F1 has been heavily disrupted by temporary spells and moves between Red Bull's two teams, many within the wider organisation hold the opinion that the 24-year-old has had his chance.
Lindblad, 19, is highly-rated and his strong start to life in F1 has solidified views that he could be a future superstar. And hopes are also high for Tsolov, who emerged this season as a surprise title challenger in F2 and Red Bull chiefs have been impressed with the progress made by the Bulgarian driver, particularly this year.
Tsolov increased his chances of winning a promotion to F1 for 2027 with his performance in that hour of practice in Mexico. His pace was strong but Racing Bulls were also impressed with the level of feedback he was able to provide to help set up the car for the rest of the weekend. And another strong showing in Hungary this week may yet sway team principal Alan Permane's opinion.
