Racing Bulls expect 2027 driver decision within weeks as Permane weighs Lawson and Tsolov

Racing Bulls expect to decide the second seat in their 2027 Formula 1Formula 1 World ChampionshipInternational line-up within a couple of weeks, with Liam Lawson and Nikola Tsolov named as the contenders to partner Arvid Lindblad. Team principal Alan Permane has set out that timeframe while describing the team as being in no rush.

Only one place is in question. Lindblad is reported to have proved his worth during a strong rookie campaign, leaving the identity of his 2027 team-mate as the outstanding item. The decision is described as Red BullRed Bull RacingAustria4th POS298 PTS's to make.

2026

---

POS

4th

PTS

298

WINS

1

POLES

1

Season 2026

Permane sets a short window

Ank Kumar · CC BY-SA 4.0

Permane's framing is relaxed: Racing Bulls, he has indicated, are not hurrying. The timeline attached to that is tighter than the tone suggests, with a decision expected in a couple of weeks. The comments were reported on 9 October.

He described the drivers in contention as fantastic. That is a description of the group rather than a ranking, and the public remarks do not identify a preferred candidate or explain what separates them.

Lawson and Tsolov in contention

Raulongo · CC BY-SA 4.0

Lawson and Tsolov are the two names attached to the seat. The remarks do not set out how either would be integrated into the team, what a contract would look like, or how long an agreement would run.

One detail is left open in the way the decision has been described. It is attributed to Red Bull without making clear whether that means the senior team, the wider organisation or Racing Bulls' own management — a distinction that affects who signs off and how soon an announcement can follow.

Why the timing matters

Settling the line-up early gives a team more room to prepare a driver for the season ahead, and it removes a question that would otherwise run through the winter. It also closes a market: once the seat is filled, the driver who misses out has to look elsewhere.

For Racing Bulls the decision shapes a line-up that already has one half in place, and it will be judged on how the pairing performs rather than on the announcement itself. The team has not said whether the naming will come as a single announcement or in stages.

What is not yet known

• Whether Arvid Lindblad's place in the 2027 line-up has been formally confirmed by the team.
• The length and terms of any contract for the second driver.
• Whether anyone beyond Lawson and Tsolov is still in the running: the decision has been described as a choice between three drivers, while only two are named as contenders for the seat.
• Which part of the Red Bull organisation makes the final call.
• When exactly the announcement will come, beyond the couple of weeks indicated.