Nikola Tsolov arrives at the Mexican Grand Prix. Photo / AFP
The only blemish on the session for Tsolov came when he temporarily had to leave the car after suffering from what he said was a loss of blood in his right leg, despite having a seat custom fitted to Lawson’s cockpit. Tsolov also complained of smoking brakes early in the session, after pushing too hard in the high altitude that Mexico brings.
Lawson will return to his car for the second session, FP2, later this morning.
Under Formula One’s rules, all 11 teams must give four sessions per year to a rookie driver – one who has driven less than two grands prix in total – split evenly across two cars.
This marks the first time Tsolov will get the opportunity in a free practice session, having only gained the necessary qualifications after a Racing Bulls test drive at Italy’s Imola circuit in August.
However, drivers taking part in an FP1 session is no guarantee of promotion.
In 2022, Lawson took part in FP1 sessions for both the Belgian and Mexican grands prix for then-AlphaTauri, but had to wait until 2024 to be promoted fulltime.
What’s more, Mexico has also proven to be a favourite track for Racing Bulls to give young drivers a chance behind the wheel.
Aside from Lawson in 2022, Isack Hadjar was given Mexico’s FP1 session in 2023, before he was promoted in 2025, while Iwasa did the same last year.
Earlier this year, Spanish outlet SoyMotor reported that Tsolov had been guaranteed a seat at Racing Bulls for 2027, with Lawson the likely driver to make way. However, those reports were quickly denied by Racing Bulls.
Herald sources have also indicated that Racing Bulls are unlikely to make a change to its 2027 lineup, with the pair of Lawson and Arvid Lindlbad odds-on to be retained.
In the time since, Tsolov has gone from leading Formula Two to sitting second with two rounds remaining, after he was overtaken by Ferrari junior Rafael Camara – who will join Haas next year.
Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.