Racing Bulls retain Lawson and Lindblad: what comes next for Nikola Tsolov?

Racing Bulls have officially confirmed Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad for the 2027 Formula 1 season. The decision fills both race seats for the start of next year and changes the outlook for Nikola Tsolov.

Lawson and Lindblad stay together

Formula 1’s official website reported on November 12 that both drivers have extended their contracts. The announcement ends months of uncertainty over the line-up, with Tsolov having been among the candidates for promotion.

Lawson’s new deal follows a strong weekend in Brazil. The New Zealander started third and finished seventh, taking his tally to 89 points. It was his fourth seventh-place finish in the last five Grands Prix.

Why the team chose continuity

Lawson’s contribution has been crucial to Racing Bulls’ fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship. Holding that position would deliver the best championship result in the team’s history, including its Minardi years.

Lindblad has also earned the team’s backing for a second season. The Briton has scored 38 points in his rookie campaign, with Formula1.com highlighting his consistency. The team retains a combination of Lawson’s experience and his young team-mate’s potential.

What it means for Nikola

The immediate consequence for Tsolov is clear: Racing Bulls have no vacant race seat for the start of 2027. His most direct route to a Formula 1 racing debut is closed for now.

It is a disappointing development after his involvement in the seat battle and his first free practice appearance in Mexico. However, the decision alone does not mean Red Bull are abandoning plans for his development.

A reserve role remains a possible option

Before the official announcement, Autosport identified a reserve role in 2027 as a possible next step for the Bulgarian. Such a programme could include simulator work, private testing and free practice appearances.

Ugo joins Campos: another sign of change for Nikola

Meanwhile, official confirmation has arrived that Formula 3 champion Ugo Ugochukwu will race for Campos in Formula 2 in 2027. The American stays with the team with which he won this year’s title.

The announcement strengthens expectations that Nikola will not return to F2 for a second season. Feeder Series had already identified Ugochukwu and Théophile Naël as Campos’ expected 2027 pairing, while predicting a development or reserve role within the Red Bull organisation for Tsolov.

Preparation focused on Formula 1, rather than another F2 campaign, therefore looks an increasingly likely scenario for the Bulgarian. However, Ugo’s signing fills only one Campos seat and does not, by itself, confirm Nikola’s departure from the championship.

What comes next

The key question now is how much actual driving and what prospects Tsolov will receive. A reserve position can provide useful preparation if it comes with sufficient mileage and work alongside the team.

Confirming Lawson and Lindblad postpones his opportunity to start next season as a Racing Bulls race driver. It does not establish when his next chance will come, nor does it guarantee a seat in 2028.