Where could Liam Lawson race in 2027 if Racing Bulls choose Nikola Tsolov?

Speculation is growing over where Liam Lawson will race in 2027. The New Zealander is ninth in the drivers’ standings with 83 points to team-mate Arvid Lindblad’s 38. In Mexico, he started from the pit lane and finished seventh. Even after that drive, Lawson told Sky Sports F1 there was “definitely no assurance at the moment” about next season. If Racing Bulls promote Nikola Tsolov, the most intriguing possibility for Lawson is the seat alongside Sergio Perez at Cadillac.

How secure is Lawson’s Racing Bulls seat?

Lawson has scored points for both Red Bull teams this season. Standing in for the injured Isack Hadjar at the senior outfit, he finished seventh in the Netherlands and sixth in Madrid. With Max Verstappen and Hadjar already confirmed for 2027, Lawson’s future within Red Bull now hinges on the decision in Faenza.

That is where Tsolov has a genuine chance. Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane described him as “next in line” for promotion, and the Bulgarian has six Formula 2 wins to his name this season. On his F1 practice debut in Mexico, he took over Lawson’s car and finished just 0.126 seconds behind Lindblad. The Briton is widely expected to stay. Even ninth place in the championship might not be enough to keep Lawson on the grid if Racing Bulls decide Tsolov is ready.

Why would Cadillac consider Lawson?

Cadillac are still weighing up who will partner Perez. According to Formula1.com, the team have yet to take up the option in Valtteri Bottas’s contract for 2027. The Finn says he is comfortable with the terms of his deal. Meanwhile, Cadillac have given Colton Herta another practice outing in Brazil, where he can earn the final point he needs for a super licence.

Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok has suggested Cadillac should consider pairing Lawson with Perez. Former Aston Martin strategist Bernie Collins explained the appeal. At 24, Lawson already knows how two competitive cars behave under the current regulations. For Cadillac’s engineers, still developing the team’s first F1 car, that experience could prove valuable from the first test. As of 5 November, neither side has confirmed talks.

Is there a seat at Aston Martin?

Even Aston Martin have been mentioned in the speculation surrounding Lawson. A seat at Silverstone would, however, require the team to change a line-up they announced on 29 September. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll have both extended their contracts and are set to begin their fifth consecutive season as team-mates in 2027. For now, a move to Aston Martin remains a rumour.

Sources · Sky Sports F1 · Formula 1 · Racing Bulls · Formula 1 · Cadillac · RacingNews365 · Aston Martin