Racing Bulls has three candidates for 2027, but only two seats: Team Principal Alan Permane explains what matters in this difficult driver decision
Racing Bulls is one of the few Formula 1 teams that has not yet confirmed a driver for the 2027 season. However, at the press conference ahead of the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix, team principal Alan Permane explained when an announcement might be made.
Permane said: “I don’t want to give a specific date. But let’s just say: it will happen in the coming weeks.”
His team is “in no hurry”, he said, because with Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls already has two “fantastic drivers” on its roster. Furthermore, with Nikola Tsolov, they have another “fantastic driver” in Formula 2. “They’re all ready,” said Permane.
Three potential drivers, but only two seats
But there’s a catch: Racing Bulls has two seats for three drivers. “That’s why we’re simply going to take a bit more time and ensure we put together the right driver pairing for next year,” explained Permane.
“Many factors” are decisive. “At the top of the list are probably speed and pace, and everything related to that.”
“But of course, there are many other things at play in the background, because we find ourselves in a somewhat special situation: we want to support young drivers. We want to develop young talent, and naturally we’re also keeping an eye on their long-term development. So it’s not just about the here and now,” said Permane. “It’s also about what they can achieve in the future.”
A move to Red Bull is not on the cards for 2027
Of the three candidates mentioned, Lawson is the most experienced, having competed in over 50 Grand Prix races. He has also previously driven for Red Bull in Formula 1, most recently as a replacement for the injured Isack Hadjar. Lindblad, on the other hand, will be making his debut in the 2026 season. Tsolov has so far only completed Formula 1 test drives – but is among the title contenders in Formula 2.
Incidentally, a move from Racing Bulls to Red Bull is not on the cards for Lawson or Lindblad in 2027: Red Bull recently extended Hadjar’s contract by one season until the end of 2027. Lawson and Lindblad, on the other hand, have so far only been confirmed until the end of 2026.