Liam Lawson will make manner for Nikola Tsolov who is ready to make his FP1 debut for Racing Bulls on the 2026 Formulation 1 Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix.
Lawson has had a robust 2026 with the Faenza-based squad after his Crimson Bull dismissal solely two races into final season.
The Kiwi driver presently sits ninth within the drivers’ standings and has led Racing Bulls to all however safe P5 within the constructors’ championship with 5 races to go.
That mentioned, with Tsolov additionally having fun with a stellar junior profession, and an explosive F2 season to this point, a call on the Bulgarian’s future in F1 subsequent season appears inevitable.
In the meantime, Lawson’s team-mate Arvid Lindblad has pulled his weight, too, in solely his rookie season.
Racing Bulls’ resolution to offer Tsolov his FP1 debut on the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is, due to this fact, being seen as a closing audition for Lawson’s seat.
“I don’t need to offer you a particular date. It’s going to be within the coming weeks, let’s say,” group boss Alan Permane mentioned when requested a few timeline for its 2027 driver line-up resolution.
“I imply, we’re in no rush. I feel everybody is aware of we’ve bought two improbable drivers.
“However three doesn’t match into two, after all, and we’re simply going to take just a little bit extra time and ensure we get the proper pairing for subsequent 12 months.”
Nikola Tsolov is wanting ahead to maiden FP1 outing with Racing Bulls
Tsolov has racked up six wins in F2 this season and trails championship chief, and incoming 2027 Haas F1 driver Rafael Camara, by simply 12 factors.
After having impressed Racing Bulls sufficient to shortlist him for a full-time seat within the close to future, the 19-year-old is wanting ahead to taking that subsequent step in direction of a future in F1.
“An enormous thanks to VCARB for giving me this chance in Mexico,” Tsolov mentioned.
“Following my take a look at with the group at Imola in August, I’m excited to take this subsequent step, construct on that have and be taught extra concerning the automotive and the present laws.
“I’ll give attention to taking advantage of the session, working intently with the group and offering helpful suggestions.”
If Racing Bulls do resolve to raise Tsolov at Lawson’s loss, it could imply that the Kiwi racing driver must spend a minimum of a 12 months on the sidelines earlier than a possible return to the game.