Ralf Schumacher has publicly stated his belief that Nikola Tsolov should be promoted to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls for the 2027 Formula 1 season. Schumacher’s comments suggest a preference for Tsolov over Liam Lawson, despite Lawson’s recent strong performances.
Lawson, currently a reserve driver for Red Bull and Racing Bulls, stepped in for Isack Hadjar earlier this season. He competed in three Grands Prix after Hadjar sustained an injury during the Monaco Grand Prix.
During his temporary stint, Lawson secured 14 points, demonstrating his capability in Formula 1 machinery. His notable results included a seventh-place finish at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza and a ninth-place finish in Singapore.
Isack Hadjar has since recovered from his injury, which sidelined him for the Canadian, Austrian, and British Grands Prix. He has returned to his full-time seat with Racing Bulls.
Nikola Tsolov is presently competing in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, where he has delivered promising results throughout the 2026 season. He has secured two victories, winning the Spanish Grand Prix support race and the Hungarian Grand Prix sprint race.
Tsolov currently holds third position in the FIA Formula 3 championship standings, with two rounds remaining in the season. His consistent performance has drawn attention within the Red Bull junior program.
Schumacher emphasized Tsolov’s raw speed and potential for further development, suggesting he could be a valuable long-term asset for the Red Bull driver pool. He acknowledged Lawson’s performance but indicated Tsolov’s overall package might be more appealing for a full-time F1 debut.
The current Racing Bulls driver lineup for the 2026 season consists of Daniel Ricciardo and Isack Hadjar. Daniel Ricciardo’s contract is understood to conclude at the end of the current season, potentially opening a seat for 2027.
Hadjar’s contract situation for 2027 is less clear, though he is expected to remain with the team if his performance trajectory continues to improve. The decision regarding the 2027 lineup will be critical for the team’s future.
