News Summary
- Bruno Michel believes Nikola Tsolov is ready for Formula 1, praising the Bulgarian’s performances in the 2026 Formula 2 championship.
- Lawson and Lindblad remain without confirmed Racing Bulls contracts for 2027, despite helping the team reach fifth in the Constructors’ Championship.
- Alan Permane says the decision will come in the next few weeks, with three credible candidates competing for two seats.
Nikola Tsolov is ready to make the step into Formula 1, according to Formula 2 CEO Bruno Michel, increasing the pressure on Racing Bulls as the team prepares to decide whether Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad will remain its drivers for the 2027 season.
The Bulgarian has emerged as one of the leading candidates for promotion after challenging Ferrari junior Rafael Câmara for the Formula 2 championship. However, Racing Bulls already has two drivers delivering competitive results, creating a difficult choice for team principal Alan Permane and Red Bull’s wider management.
Speaking to PlanetF1.com, Michel was asked whether Tsolov had demonstrated the qualities required to compete in Formula 1.
“The answer is yes. I think he’s ready,” Michel said.
However, he immediately distinguished his assessment of Tsolov’s ability from any suggestion that the Bulgarian had already secured a seat.
“The answer is not I know he will be in Formula 1 next year, so that’s a different answer.”
The distinction is important because Racing Bulls has not announced either driver for 2027, while Lawson and Lindblad have both strengthened their positions through their performances this season.
F2 boss backs Tsolov after impressive rookie campaign
Tsolov has established himself as one of Formula 2’s leading drivers during his first full season in the championship.
The Bulgarian has challenged Câmara for the title, combining race victories with consistent performances despite the difficulties normally associated with moving into the category.
Michel praised both drivers for the quality of their championship battle and the maturity they have demonstrated.
“I think the fight he’s having with Rafa is very, very impressive,” he said.
The F2 CEO also highlighted Tsolov’s consistency, describing the Bulgarian as a spectacular driver who has demonstrated the characteristics required for Formula 1.
The comparison with Câmara is particularly relevant because the Brazilian has already secured his place on the 2027 grid.
Haas confirmed Câmara as Esteban Ocon’s replacement for next season, giving the Ferrari junior a direct route into Formula 1 while Tsolov continues waiting for Red Bull’s decision.
Tsolov has also participated in Formula 1 testing with Racing Bulls, gaining experience of the team’s machinery and working procedures.
His progress has reinforced Red Bull’s interest in promoting another junior driver, but the organisation must balance that objective against the results delivered by its current line-up.
Lawson makes strongest statistical case for Racing Bulls seat
Lawson has strengthened his position considerably during the 2026 season, particularly after returning to Racing Bulls following a three-race spell replacing the injured Isack Hadjar at Red Bull.
The New Zealander has scored 61 points for Racing Bulls, compared with Lindblad’s 38, despite competing in only 14 rounds for the team.
He also collected 14 points during his temporary Red Bull appearance, taking his Drivers’ Championship total to 75.
As GRANDE PRÊMIO established in its detailed comparison published on October 17, Lawson leads his teammate 9–5 in qualifying and 10–4 in race results across their 14 shared Grands Prix.
The figures demonstrate his stronger immediate contribution, although Lindblad has also produced an encouraging rookie campaign.
Lawson’s recent results have been particularly important. He scored 16 points across the Bahrain and Singapore weekends, including a fifth-place finish in the Singapore sprint and seventh place in the Grand Prix.
His recent points haul accounts for a substantial share of Racing Bulls’ championship total, reinforcing the argument that the team would lose a reliable points scorer if it decided to promote Tsolov at his expense.
However, Red Bull’s junior programme has historically prioritised identifying future drivers for its senior team, meaning current performance is only one part of the decision.
Lindblad remains central to Red Bull’s long-term plans
Lindblad has faced a demanding first Formula 1 season after graduating through Red Bull’s junior development programme.
The British driver has scored 38 points and helped Racing Bulls maintain fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Although Lawson has generally been stronger in direct comparisons, Lindblad has demonstrated competitive qualifying pace and secured valuable results during his rookie campaign.
His age and limited Formula 1 experience are important considerations for the team.
Red Bull has historically allowed promising young drivers time to develop at Racing Bulls before evaluating whether they are ready for promotion to the senior operation.
Lindblad’s first season has therefore provided useful information about his potential, but it has not necessarily established the full extent of his development.
The team must decide whether a second season alongside Lawson would offer the best environment for Lindblad to progress or whether promoting Tsolov would provide greater long-term value.
Permane admits three drivers cannot fit into two seats
Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane has already acknowledged the difficulty of the decision.
Speaking ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Permane confirmed that the team was not rushing to finalise its line-up.
“We’re in no rush,” he said, explaining that Racing Bulls had two strong current drivers and another promising candidate in Formula 2.
“But three doesn’t fit into two, of course,” Permane added.
The British engineer indicated that the decision would be made in the coming weeks, without committing to a specific announcement date.
He also explained that Racing Bulls must consider more than immediate results because of its responsibility to develop future Red Bull drivers.
Speed, consistency, technical feedback and long-term potential will all influence the selection.
Michel acknowledged that those considerations make the decision particularly difficult.
He praised Lawson’s recent performances and Lindblad’s rookie campaign, while maintaining that Tsolov had already demonstrated the ability required to compete in Formula 1.
The F2 CEO also made clear that the final choice belongs to Red Bull’s management rather than Formula 2.
Racing Bulls 2027: Three drivers competing for two seats
| Driver | Current position | Strongest argument | Main uncertainty |
|---|---|---|---|
| L. LAWSON | Racing Bulls F1 | 61 team points; leads Lindblad 10–4 in races | Red Bull’s preference for developing new drivers |
| A. LINDBLAD | Racing Bulls F1 | Competitive rookie season; 38 points | Has generally trailed Lawson |
| N. TSOLOV | Formula 2 | Championship contender; backed by Bruno Michel | No Grand Prix race experience |
The table reflects the situation after the Singapore Grand Prix and the statements available on October 19, 2026. It is not a prediction of the final driver line-up.
Lawson and Lindblad currently provide Racing Bulls with continuity and a competitive partnership.
Tsolov offers the possibility of introducing another promising young driver into the Red Bull structure, but his promotion would require at least one of the incumbents to leave.
The team must also consider the technical demands of 2027, when drivers will enter the second season of Formula 1’s new power-unit and aerodynamic regulations.
Continuity could help Racing Bulls build on its 2026 performance, while a rookie promotion would involve an adaptation period.
The decision is expected before the end of the season, although no official date has been confirmed.
Austin gives Lawson and Lindblad another chance to influence decision
The United States Grand Prix on October 23–25 will provide another opportunity for Lawson and Lindblad to demonstrate their value.
Racing Bulls enters the weekend fifth in the Constructors’ Championship with 100 points, ahead of Alpine and Haas.
The team has benefited from Lawson’s consistency and Lindblad’s progress, but maintaining its position will require further points during the final six races.
For Lawson, Austin also carries significance away from the circuit.
The New Zealander is scheduled to perform live at a special Racing Bulls event on Thursday, October 22, reuniting with his brother and childhood friends for a concert.
GRANDE PRÊMIO reported the details of Lawson’s Austin performance, which forms part of the team’s activities ahead of the Grand Prix.
The Formula 1 weekend begins on Friday, October 23, with the race scheduled for Sunday.
Tags: Liam Lawson, Arvid Lindblad, Nikola Tsolov, Racing Bulls
