Racing Bulls commits to Lawson and Lindblad as 2027 F1 line-up
Liam Lawson will remain at Racing Bulls next season after the squad announced an unchanged Formula 1 line-up for 2027.
The New Zealander’s future had been uncertain for many weeks, with the Red Bull-owned outfit pondering whether to keep him on alongside Arvid Lindblad or promote its junior driver Nikola Tsolov.
However, as reported earlier this week, Lawson’s recent strong performances in Mexico and Brazil were understood to have put him on course for a new deal and convinced Racing Bulls he was the best candidate.
With Lawson currently sitting ninth in the drivers’ standings, as best of the rest behind the top four teams, and his contribution key to helping Racing Bulls sit fifth in the constructors’ championship, it would have been nonsensical to have dropped him.
Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane believed that the line-up of Lawson and Lindblad was the perfect one in terms of blending youth and experience.
“Both have demonstrated their ability and potential throughout the season, and we’ve seen the progress they’ve made, both individually and as a pairing,” explained Permane.
“I have no doubt that this is the best driver line-up for us, bringing a strong combination of experience and ambition. Together, we have a solid foundation to build on the progress made this year, continue pushing ourselves forward and take the next step towards achieving our ambitions in 2027."
Lawson has earned praise in the paddock this year for his standout performances for both Racing Bulls and during a stand-in run at Red Bull, when he filled in for the injured Isack Hadjar.
He thanked Racing Bulls for the belief in him.
“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 said.
“It feels great to be part of a historic season for the team as we continue our fight for P5 in the constructors' championship.
"It's a testament to the hard work of everyone both at track, and back at the factory. I’m looking forward to carrying this momentum forward with Arvid through to 2027; we're building something super positive and I’m excited by what we can achieve together.”
The Racing Bulls statement that announced Lawson and Lindblad were staying for 2027 did not make any reference to plans for Tsolov, who is in the hunt to clinch the F2 crown this year.
The Bulgarian had a rookie FP1 run for Racing Bulls in Mexico, and will likely have a wider role with Red Bull in 2027. He has also been linked with a switch to Super Formula in Japan.
F1 2027 grid so far
Mercedes: Kimi Antonelli/George Russell
Ferrari: Charles Leclerc/Lewis Hamilton
McLaren: Lando Norris/Oscar Piastri
Red Bull: Max Verstappen/Isack Hadjar
Racing Bulls: Liam Lawson/Arvid Lindblad
Alpine: Pierre Gasly/Franco Colapinto
Haas: Rafael Camara/TBC
Audi: Nico Hulkenberg/Gabriel Bortoleto
Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso/Lance Stroll
Williams: Alex Albon/Carlos Sainz
Cadillac: Sergio Perez/TBC
