That applies, among other things, to the immense pressure that comes with it, the media commitments, the constant spotlights and all the off-track obligations that, according to Colapinto, carry 100 times more weight than in the junior categories:\u00a0“In Formula 1, you’re only driving about 10% of the time.”<\/p>\n
Tsolov set for F1 test, but Lawson exceeds expectations<\/p>\n
Driving is naturally the first step, though, and that\u2019s exactly what lies ahead for Tsolov. He has yet to take part in an F1 practice session, but first needs to complete at least 300 kilometres in older F1 machinery as part of a TPC programme (Testing of Previous Cars).<\/p>\n
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Tsolov’s adaptation to F2 has been rapid, but the bigger test is to come<\/p>\n
Photo by: Dom Gibbons \/ Formula 1 via Getty Images<\/p>\n
Racing Bulls<\/a> team principal Peter Bayer has revealed that such TPC tests are planned for the autumn, after which a practice outing is expected to follow towards the end of the season, most likely combined with the rookie test in Abu Dhabi should the season finale go ahead there.<\/p>\n If Tsolov continues on his current trajectory, he is naturally a genuine contender for an F1 seat in 2027. That already led to persistent paddock rumours several months ago, although Racing Bulls strongly denied them \u2013 something Bayer reiterated again this week.<\/p>\n “He’s doing a great job and is a huge talent that we naturally have on our radar,” Bayer said. “But we’ve only had seven races so far, and Liam and Arvid are doing just as great a job. So it’s not an issue at all right now.”<\/p>\n Ordinarily, promoting Tsolov would be a no-brainer, especially given Red Bull’s philosophy of fast-tracking its own talent. But there is just one complicating factor this time: Lawson has exceeded expectations this season as well.<\/p>\n The one advantage Red Bull has is that it can afford to be patient. Neither Tsolov nor Lawson appears likely to go elsewhere, allowing the decision-makers to carefully assess how both drivers develop over the remainder of the season<\/p>\n The New Zealander endured a whirlwind of emotions last year, mainly because he was demoted from Red Bull back to Racing Bulls immediately after the Chinese GP.\u00a0Although he has always maintained publicly that the setback never affected him mentally \u2013 “because I wasn’t even given enough time to prove myself at Red Bull” \u2013 it still took a while before he truly rediscovered his rhythm at the sister team.<\/p>\n This year, however, Lawson has done exactly that. The Kiwi has scored points in six of the eight GPs\u00a0so far, which is particularly impressive considering that F1’s four leading teams still occupy the vast majority of the points-scoring positions.<\/p>\n The competitive order normally leaves only two places available for the “best of the rest” \u2013 even if it should be noted that Red Bull started the season unusually weakly \u2013 and Lawson has been in that fight every race weekend.<\/p>\n Lawson was under pressure coming into 2026, but has flourished back at Racing Bulls this year<\/p>\n Photo by: Andy Hone\/ LAT Images via Getty Images<\/p>\n The month of June has been particularly telling in that regard. Lawson claimed an impressive sixth place in Monaco before following it up with eighth in Barcelona and ninth in Austria \u2013 each vastly different circuits.\u00a0He is doing exactly what Racing Bulls and Red Bull expect from him, especially with team management making it clear that rookie Arvid Lindblad<\/a> is benefiting from Lawson’s experience.<\/p>\n Will the ‘Red Bull philosophy’ ultimately decide it?<\/p>\n All of this makes the decision facing Racing Bulls \u2013 and ultimately Red Bull \u2013 for 2027 a difficult one, and one that is closely linked to the question of what the Faenza-based team is ultimately meant to be.<\/p>\n If Racing Bulls is to remain a development team for Red Bull, then promoting Tsolov appears to be the logical choice. Lawson has already had his opportunity with the senior team and, at least for now, does not seem likely to be promoted again. So yes, if developing young talent remains Racing Bulls’ primary purpose, there is a compelling case for giving the 19-year-old Bulgarian his chance as soon as possible.<\/p>\n At the same time, that would be extremely harsh on Lawson. Realistically, Red Bull can hardly ask any more of him than what he has delivered this season. And it should not be forgotten that Lawson himself is still only 24, meaning there should still be room for further development.\u00a0It is a luxury problem, but a very difficult choice to make \u2013 especially if Tsolov wins the F2 title this year, which would prevent him from returning to the championship next year.<\/p>\n One compromise could be to keep him behind the scenes throughout 2027, allowing him to learn and prepare fully for F1. However, recent history has shown that such an approach can be risky for both the team and the driver involved.<\/p>\n Felipe Drugovich, for example, never got his F1 opportunity despite winning the F2 title convincingly, while one can only hope Leonardo Fornaroli does not suffer the same fate \u2013 Haas would be wise to take him for next year. On the other hand, Alpine<\/a> did not promote Oscar Piastri<\/a> immediately after his F2 title either, only to lose him the following year, although that is a story in itself.<\/p>\n The dangers of not promoting a star junior driver is well known in F1<\/p>\n Photo by: Rudy Carezzevoli \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n The one advantage Red Bull has is that it can afford to be patient. Neither Tsolov nor Lawson appears likely to go elsewhere, allowing the decision-makers to carefully assess how both drivers develop over the remainder of the season. That includes evaluating what Tsolov shows in an F1 car, both during the TPC tests and in the subsequent F1 practice outings.<\/p>\n![\"Lawson](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/liam-lawson-racing-bulls.jpg\")
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