Lawson expected to stay at Racing Bulls; Tsolov tipped for 2027 reserve role

Liam Lawson is expected to stay at Racing Bulls, with Nikola Tsolov in line for a reserve role in 2027. Motorsport.com says it understands The Race's report of that plan to be accurate; it also reports that the decision is close but not signed off, with a decision expected over the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend next week.

Lawson finished ninth in Austin and seventh in both Mexico and Brazil. His 89 points are the highest total among drivers outside the top four teams.

In Brazil, Lawson qualified fifth and started third after grid penalties for George Russell and Charles Leclerc. He passed Lando Norris for second at the start in the rain, then dropped back as the intermediate tyres returned to their operating window. Lawson finished eighth on the road and was promoted to seventh after Leclerc's penalty.

Racing Bulls is tasked with developing young drivers for Red Bull Racing. Red Bull's Austrian parent company is understood to be particularly excited by F2 frontrunner Tsolov. Team principal Alan Permane said on Friday in São Paulo that pace is the first priority, while experience also helps the team assess young talent. Lawson has provided a benchmark for rookie Arvid Lindblad this season. Racing Bulls is fifth in the constructors' championship, a position that would give it the team's best-ever finish.