Brundle voices concern for Liam Lawson

Former driver and commentator Martin Brundle has raised concerns that Racing Bulls may be making an injustice by considering parting ways with Liam Lawson at the end of the 2026 season to promote rookie Nikola Tsolov. Brundle believes Lawson has demonstrated enough to deserve staying in Formula 1.

Tsolov's strong performance in Formula 2

Nikola Tsolov, currently second in the Formula 2 championship, has strengthened his chances of promotion to Formula 1 as early as 2027. With two races remaining in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, Tsolov has impressed in recent private tests and his debut in the EL1 series in Mexico.

Support from Helmut Marko

Helmut Marko, a former Red Bull advisor, has publicly expressed a preference for Tsolov over Liam Lawson. Marko has long supported the idea of prioritizing young drivers from the Red Bull pipeline, emphasizing their potential for future success.

Lawson's strong season with Racing Bulls

Liam Lawson, 24, has had a convincing season with Racing Bulls, especially after his return to the team following a temporary stint with Red Bull. He replaced Isack Hadjar for three Grand Prix after the summer break, performing consistently and holding the best position among drivers outside the top four teams.

Brundle defends Lawson's progress

Brundle highlights that Lawson has "really found his stride" in complex cars and races, arguing that his progress deserves recognition. He warns that in Formula 1, drivers must constantly perform to retain their seats, emphasizing the need for vigilance.

Challenges for young drivers in F1

Brundle notes the difficulties faced by young talents in modern Formula 1, calling it "very cruel" if Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad were not in the two cars next year. He believes both drivers have shown they are ready to compete at the highest level.

Racing Bulls faces tough decision

For Racing Bulls, the 2027 decision is particularly delicate, with three candidates—Lawson, Lindblad, and Tsolov—competing for two seats. No final decision has yet been made, but Brundle hopes that current drivers' performance will be a key factor in the team's choice.