Nikola Tsolov unlikely to replace Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls next year

Tsolov set for reserve role rather than immediate promotion

Nikola Tsolov is not currently expected to replace Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls next year, according to a report from The New Zealand Herald. The Formula 2 championship leader and Red Bull junior has been identified as a leading candidate for a future seat, but the immediate plan could be more measured.

That route would give Red Bull another opportunity to evaluate Tsolov without rushing the decision. The recent Formula 2 Feature Race victory at Madring underlines the attention currently surrounding the junior category, where Tsolov is leading the championship.

Lawson’s position appears stronger

Questions over Lawson’s future have increased as Arvid Lindblad sits just outside the top 10 in the standings as a rookie. Even so, Lawson is expected to be safe for now. He has scored 59 points in 14 races and Red Bull has expressed satisfaction with his three-race spell as a substitute for the injured Isack Hadjar.

Those stand-in appearances could ultimately carry more weight than the remainder of Lawson’s season at Racing Bulls. The comparison with Red Bull’s lead operation is particularly important because the programme wants drivers capable of remaining close to Max Verstappen. The data from Lawson’s substitute races should therefore provide a significant reference point when his future is assessed.

A decision deferred

Red Bull may effectively postpone the Lawson-versus-Tsolov decision for another 12 months. That would give Tsolov time to build experience in Super Formula and demonstrate his potential in any Formula 1 running, while allowing the team to assemble an extensive FP1 and testing programme around him.

Tsolov could then be well placed for a 2028 seat if he performs strongly in Japan and impresses in Formula 1 outings. Lawson, meanwhile, is becoming a more attractive target for rival teams, meaning a delayed decision could also leave him free to negotiate elsewhere.

For now, the clearest signal is that Red Bull sees Tsolov as a future option—but not necessarily as Lawson’s immediate successor.