Liam Lawson shares feelings on Racing Bulls' driver situation after sudden speculation

Liam Lawson has offered a calm and contented assessment of his Racing Bulls partnership with Arvid Lindblad amid unfounded rumours linking Red Bull Academy driver Nikola Tsolov to his seat for 2027.

Reports originating from Spanish media suggested that Tsolov, currently second in the Formula 2 standings with four wins from six rounds, had already been lined up to replace Lawson at Racing Bulls next year. The claim gained traction on social media but has been firmly denied by the team.

Speaking at the Austrian Grand Prix, Alan Permane left no room for ambiguity when asked about the speculation.

"They're just rumours," the Racing Bulls team principal said over the weekend in Spielberg. "Honestly, we haven't even discussed it... not at all."

Permane also praised the performance of his current lineup. "[We are] very happy, they're doing everything we're asking, everything I'm asking of them, they're doing," he said. "They're concentrating well, working hard and delivering on track, which is the important thing, of course."

On Tsolov specifically, Permane acknowledged the Bulgarian's progress while reaffirming his satisfaction with Lawson and Lindblad.

"Of course [he is on Racing Bulls' radar], he's in the Red Bull programme," he added. "He's doing very well in F2, but very happy with the two I have at the moment, and at the moment, there's, like I say, no discussion at all."

Lawson sits 10th in the drivers' standings on 30 points after eight races, with a best finish of sixth in Monaco. Lindblad, in his rookie season, is 13th with 14 points.

Between them, they have helped Racing Bulls to sixth in the constructors' championship on 44 points.

Tsolov, meanwhile, has been in exceptional form in F2, sitting just two points behind championship leader Gabriele Minì with 106 points and victories in Melbourne, Miami, Monaco and Spielberg.

Despite the external noise and an on-track team orders flashpoint with Lindblad during the Austrian Grand Prix itself, Lawson struck a measured tone when it was put to him that the pair appear to be sparking well off each other.

"Yeah, it's been working well so far, but a long season to go, so at the moment we're in a good groove, and I'm very happy, just trying to keep the momentum rolling," he told Sky Sports F1.