Permane says Racing Bulls will take time over 2027 line-up

Racing Bulls is still weighing its options for the 2027 season, with team principal Alan Permane saying the team will not rush a decision between three contenders for its two seats.

The team remains the only one yet to announce a driver for next year. Speaking ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix, Permane said the evaluation is taking time because the team is studying the candidates carefully. He expressed confidence that Racing Bulls would make the right choice and said an announcement is expected in the coming weeks.

Three drivers remain in contention for two seats

Current driver Liam Lawson is ninth in the standings, the highest-placed driver outside the leading teams. He has also made three appearances for Red Bull this season. Lawson said ahead of the Brazilian weekend that he was unsure what more he could do to secure his place, after making his first full F1 campaign last season.

His team-mate Arvid Lindblad sits 11th, 45 points behind Lawson. The rookie has recorded 11 points finishes in Grands Prix during his first Formula 1 season.

The third candidate, Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov, is second in the Formula 2 standings in his maiden season in the series and has won a race. He made his F1 debut in Mexico City’s first practice session, where he was directly compared with Lindblad and finished one-tenth slower. The latest speculation around his prospects is covered in our report on Permane’s response to Tsolov seat rumours.

Pace leads the assessment, but experience matters

Permane said outright speed remains the first consideration, but added that the team must also consider its role in developing young drivers. He said that does not mean continually placing inexperienced drivers in the car: having experience within the line-up can help the team assess emerging talent.

He acknowledged that the wait is frustrating for the drivers as well as others following the decision, while maintaining that a careful process is preferable to a rushed call. Permane has also signed a contract extension to remain with Racing Bulls through 2031, as detailed in our coverage of his long-term team agreement.

With Lawson, Lindblad and Tsolov all under consideration, the team’s final choice will balance immediate pace with its longer-term development priorities. Permane said the process is ongoing, with time available before Racing Bulls makes its announcement.