Liam Lawson will make way for Nikola Tsolov who is set to make his FP1 debut for Racing Bulls at the 2026 Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix.
Lawson has had a strong 2026 with the Faenza-based squad after his Red Bull dismissal only two races into last season.
The Kiwi driver currently sits ninth in the drivers’ standings and has led Racing Bulls to all but secure P5 in the constructors’ championship with five races to go.
That said, with Tsolov also enjoying a stellar junior career, and an explosive F2 season so far, a decision on the Bulgarian’s future in F1 next season seems inevitable.
Meanwhile, Lawson’s team-mate Arvid Lindblad has pulled his weight, too, in only his rookie season.
Racing Bulls’ decision to give Tsolov his FP1 debut at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is, therefore, being seen as a final audition for Lawson’s seat.
“I don’t want to give you a definite date. It’s going to be in the coming weeks, let’s say,” team boss Alan Permane said when asked about a timeline for its 2027 driver line-up decision.
“I mean, we’re in no rush. I think everyone knows we’ve got two fantastic drivers.
“But three doesn’t fit into two, of course, and we’re just going to take a little bit more time and make sure we get the right pairing for next year.”
Nikola Tsolov is looking forward to maiden FP1 outing with Racing Bulls
Tsolov has racked up six wins in F2 this season and trails championship leader, and incoming 2027 Haas F1 driver Rafael Camara, by just 12 points.
After having impressed Racing Bulls enough to shortlist him for a full-time seat in the near future, the 19-year-old is looking forward to taking that next step towards a future in F1.
“A big thank you to VCARB for giving me this opportunity in Mexico,” Tsolov said.
“Following my test with the team at Imola in August, I’m excited to take this next step, build on that experience and learn more about the car and the current regulations.
“I’ll focus on making the most of the session, working closely with the team and providing useful feedback.”
If Racing Bulls do decide to elevate Tsolov at Lawson’s loss, it would mean that the Kiwi racing driver would have to spend at least a year on the sidelines before a potential return to the sport.
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