Marko's Preference for Tsolov Puts Lawson's F1 Future in Question
Helmut Marko has hinted that he would choose Nikola Tsolov over Liam Lawson for Racing Bulls in 2027. Despite Lawson's strong performances, his future in Formula 1 remains uncertain.
Liam Lawson, currently navigating an impressive stint with Red Bull's sister team, finds his future in Formula 1 rather nebulous beyond 2026. Helmut Marko, the former Red Bull senior advisor known for his knack for spotting talent like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, has shared that he would pick Nikola Tsolov over Lawson for the Racing Bulls seat in 2027.
Lawson has had a commendable 2026, stepping in for the injured Isack Hadjar for three rounds at Red Bull Racing and delivering strong performances. Yet, he's still waiting for confirmation about his place on the grid next year. After the Singapore Grand Prix, Lawson quipped about his uncertain future, asking reporters to enlighten him on why his contract hasn't been renewed.
Marko's philosophy has always been to develop stars within the Red Bull system rather than buying them. Reflecting this approach, he believes the choice between Lawson and Tsolov should favor the latter. Tsolov, currently second in the Formula 2 standings, recently impressed during a testing session with Racing Bulls at Imola, covering 690 kilometers.
Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane has acknowledged the dilemma they face, stating that with two seats and three talented drivers, the decision requires careful consideration. "We have two fantastic drivers and a brilliant prospect in F2," Permane noted. "But, three doesn’t fit into two, so we need more time to ensure the right pairing for next year."
While Lawson's future remains in the balance, Tsolov's potential rise adds another layer of complexity to Racing Bulls' decision-making process. With Rafael Camara moving to Haas in 2027, the stage is set for a reshuffle, and Lawson will hope his performances can tip the scales in his favor.