Racing Bulls has been told to consider an “outside the box” option in F2 championship leader Leonardo Fornaroli for a seat next year.
The Red Bull sister team has not confirmed who will occupy its two seats in 2026, with various drivers being linked with the drives.
Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar and Yuki Tsunoda are all candidates, as is Red Bull junior Arvid Linblad, who is contending his rookie campaign in F2.
Fornaroli, however, has enjoyed a more consistent first season in the junior category and does not have any existing ties to an F1 team.
Racing driver Jamie Chadwick has suggested Fornaroli would be a stronger option for the team next year to partner Lawson, should Hadjar get a promotion to Red Bull.
“In terms of the second seat at Racing Bulls, that's where I think it gets a bit complicated, because they are only looking within their system,” she told Sky F1.
“We understand they're only looking at Arvid Lindblad. It's his first year in F2. F2 is incredibly competitive, but he still needs to develop and learn.
“I don't want to see him rushed into that seat and unable to perform as a result.
“They need to have a think and consider who they put in that seat more than anything else. If you look at F2, we have a rookie leading F2 not associated with any F1 team in Leonardo Fornaroli.
“Why don't they consider someone like that? Why don't they try and look outside the box at someone that's maybe performing at a slightly higher level than Arvid at the moment, and keep Arvid until he's ready for F1.”
While Lawson's place on the grid has not yet been confirmed, Chadwick is confident Lawson will be retained despite being dropped by Red Bull two rounds into the current season.
Should a route back to the sister team not be an option, Chadwick pointed to other drivers who have found long-term spots on the grid after leaving Red Bull.
“Liam is unfortunate in terms of his timing in the process, but he's likely to stay in F1 next year,” he said.
“If you look at drivers who have been through that system, Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, they've all got long contracts now in F1.
“They’re not in world championship-contending teams at the moment, but they're still very much in F1.
“Liam has got a good opportunity there.”
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