Racing Bulls have confirmed that Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad will retain their seats for the 2027 Formula 1 season.
The announcement marks the end of weeks of speculation regarding the team’s driver lineup, ensuring both drivers continue their partnership into next year.
A Confirmed Lineup for 2027
The decision to retain both drivers marks a notable shift from the previous Red Bull philosophy of fast-tracking candidates through the program. Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane, who recently signed a contract extension to remain with the squad until 2031, expressed confidence in the chosen path. He further said that the team had been “trying to apply a little bit of science” before making any final announcement regarding the 2027 roster.
The team is currently 45 points clear of Alpine, with little risk of being overtaken in the remaining rounds of the season.
Lawson Secures Future After Period of Intense Pressure
The retention of 24-year-old Lawson follows a period of intense pressure. Earlier in the season, the New Zealander faced uncertainty regarding his future, even after a career-best run of form. Lawson, who has out-qualified his teammate 13 times to nine, holds ninth place in the drivers’ standings.
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His campaign included a stint with the senior Red Bull team, where he filled in for Isack Hadjar while the regular driver recovered from a broken wrist. Reflecting on the uncertainty of the recent weeks, Lawson had previously admitted to frustration, noting, “I don’t know what else they want me to do.”
Arvid Lindblad, the 19-year-old British rookie, has also secured his position following an impressive debut season. While he sits 45 points behind Lawson in the standings, Lindblad has recorded 11 points-scoring finishes.
A Shift in Team Philosophy
For much of the season, there was speculation that Formula 2 front-runner Nikola Tsolov might be promoted to the Racing Bulls seat. Tsolov, who made his F1 debut during Free Practice 1 in Mexico, finished just one-tenth of a second slower than Lindblad during that session. However, the team ultimately decided to prioritize consistency.
Permane addressed the previous organizational tendency to make “snap decisions,” stating, “Red Bull has had a very successful young driver programme, and I think, and I don't want to be critical of it, but I think you guys are critical of it, [that] maybe sometimes drivers haven't been able to have enough time to settle.”
The official announcement did not include information regarding Tsolov, though he is expected to remain with the Red Bull organization in a reserve role, focusing on simulator work and testing older machinery to gain experience.
Looking Ahead to Las Vegas
With the uncertainty behind them, both drivers are focused on the final stages of the current year. Lawson expressed optimism about the team’s trajectory, stating, “We've had a brilliant season together and the team has worked very hard to produce a fast car, which I've loved driving.” He added that building upon this momentum for 2027 is a “super positive” development.
Permane echoed the sentiment of unity, emphasizing that while the delay in announcing the lineup caused frustration for everyone involved, the team was committed to getting the decision right. The team will now turn its focus to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which takes place from November 20-22.
Earlier coverage: Lawson Closing in on F1 2027 Stay With Racing Bulls – The Race
