Chandhok backs Lawson to stay at Racing Bulls for 2027

Karun Chandhok wants Red Bull to keep Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls for 2027, arguing that the experienced driver would give its young prospects a benchmark for measuring their progress. Arvid Lindblad is set to stay, leaving one seat open with Lawson and Nikola Tsolov in contention.

Speaking on the Sky F1 podcast, the former F1 driver said he could see no data or information suggesting Tsolov was currently faster than Lawson or a better option. Chandhok said he had made the same point on Friday: if Lawson lost his seat, it would be one of Formula 1’s most unjustified dismissals.

Even if Red Bull no longer considered Lawson for promotion to the senior team, Chandhok said, he could still serve as a reference point for younger drivers. He pictured Lindblad in his second season and Tsolov as a rookie; without Lawson, he argued, the team would lack a clear benchmark for judging Lindblad’s progress.

Chandhok also praised Tsolov as a good driver who had done well in Formula 2. Rather than change the line-up immediately, he proposed giving Tsolov more tests and TPC running while keeping the current Racing Bulls pairing intact.

Chandhok contrasted the choice with Toro Rosso’s earlier role as a route for young drivers into Red Bull, citing Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz. He said that role has changed: with Verstappen established at the senior team, Red Bull no longer needs to rotate both Racing Bulls seats constantly and is looking for one driver to partner him.