Liam Lawson’s future in Formula 1 has become the subject of an increasingly heated debate, with former F1 driver Karun Chandhok questioning whether Red Bull have any convincing evidence to justify replacing him with rising prospect Nikola Tsolov for the 2027 season.
Lawson has produced an impressive campaign with Racing Bulls after experiencing the disappointment of losing his Red Bull seat early in 2025. Rather than allowing that setback to derail his career, the New Zealander has responded with consistent performances and established himself as the team’s leading driver. Yet his position remains uncertain, with Red Bull reportedly considering a change that could bring Tsolov into the line-up alongside Arvid Lindblad.
The possibility has divided opinion among former drivers and analysts. Three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick believes Red Bull should take the opportunity to promote Tsolov if they genuinely see him as a future world champion. Chandhok, however, believes removing Lawson after his performances this season would be difficult to justify.
CHANDHOK QUESTIONS RED BULL’S REASON FOR DROPPING LAWSON
Chandhok did not hide his disagreement with the possibility of Lawson losing his seat. He questioned whether Red Bull could genuinely have enough performance data to conclude that Tsolov is currently a better option than the experienced New Zealander.
Speaking on Sky Sports F1, Chandhok suggested that Lawson has done everything expected of him and deserves to be rewarded rather than discarded in favour of another developing driver.
He went further by describing a potential dismissal as one of the most unjust sackings in Formula 1 history.
Chandhok also highlighted the circumstances surrounding Lawson’s return to Racing Bulls. The driver had already experienced the pressure of being promoted to the senior Red Bull team and then losing that opportunity after only two races in 2025.
Despite carrying that disappointment into the new season, Lawson has delivered strong results and demonstrated that he can compete consistently in the midfield.
For Chandhok, that makes the possibility of another sudden exit particularly difficult to understand.
JAMIE CHADWICK BELIEVES TSOLOV COULD BE WORTH THE RISK
Chadwick sees the situation differently. She believes Red Bull must consider the long-term potential of Tsolov, particularly if their internal assessment suggests that the Bulgarian could eventually become a driver of Verstappen’s calibre.
She compared the situation with Mercedes’ decision to promote Andrea Kimi Antonelli into a race seat following Lewis Hamilton’s departure.
Mercedes took a significant gamble by placing a young driver into a highly competitive environment, but Antonelli’s outstanding 2026 campaign has demonstrated the potential rewards of trusting emerging talent.
Chadwick acknowledged that Red Bull could potentially keep Lawson while placing Tsolov in another competitive category, such as Super Formula, with a reserve role also remaining an option.
However, she believes the decision ultimately depends on the information available to Red Bull.
If the team genuinely believes Tsolov has exceptional long-term potential, she argues that it must consider giving him the opportunity to develop in Formula 1 rather than delaying his promotion indefinitely.
LAWSON’S 2026 RESULTS MAKE THE DECISION MORE DIFFICULT
The statistics provide a strong argument for keeping Lawson.
According to the figures in the report, he has collected 77 championship points during the 2026 campaign, with 63 earned while driving for Racing Bulls. That represents a substantial contribution to the team’s overall points total.
He has also scored points in 11 of the 18 Grands Prix completed so far, matching Lindblad’s number of points-scoring appearances for the team.
Those numbers are particularly important because Racing Bulls are not simply competing to develop young drivers anymore. They have established themselves as a competitive midfield operation with their own commercial interests, ambitions and responsibility to deliver results.
Lawson’s experience could therefore be valuable beyond his individual performances. His understanding of the car, feedback and ability to guide development may help the team maintain its position during the second year of the current regulations.
Replacing him with Tsolov would represent a different strategic direction, one that prioritises future potential over the immediate stability Lawson offers.
RED BULL’S DRIVER DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM UNDER SCRUTINY
The debate also raises questions about Red Bull’s long-standing approach to managing young drivers.
The organisation has produced several successful Formula 1 talents, but its driver programme has also developed a reputation for making difficult decisions quickly. Drivers are often expected to deliver results under considerable pressure, with limited time to establish themselves.
Lawson has experienced that reality firsthand.
His promotion to the senior team was followed by an immediate demotion, yet he has managed to rebuild his position through his performances at Racing Bulls. Now, just as he appears to have established himself, another young prospect could threaten his future.
Chandhok believes Racing Bulls should not be treated merely as a temporary training ground for Red Bull’s next generation.
He argued that the team has developed its own identity, sponsors and competitive ambitions. In his view, its responsibility should include building a strong racing operation rather than constantly sacrificing experienced drivers to accommodate the next junior prospect.
That is an important distinction as Red Bull considers its 2027 plans.
CADILLAC COULD BE LAWSON’S ESCAPE ROUTE
Lawson may not be entirely without alternatives if Red Bull decide to move in another direction.
Reports suggest his management has contacted Cadillac about a possible opportunity for 2027. However, the American team is reportedly considering Valtteri Bottas and Colton Herta for its remaining seat.
That could make the situation even more complicated for Lawson, particularly if Cadillac decide to retain Bottas or promote Herta.
Haas are also reportedly planning to continue with Oliver Bearman, further limiting the available opportunities.
If Lawson loses his Racing Bulls position and cannot secure another seat, he could find himself facing an unexpected break from Formula 1 despite producing one of his strongest seasons.
RED BULL MUST DECIDE BETWEEN RESULTS AND POTENTIAL
Ultimately, Red Bull face a difficult choice. Lawson has demonstrated his ability to deliver points and lead a midfield team, while Tsolov represents an investment in the organisation’s future.
Promoting Tsolov could prove to be an inspired decision if he develops into an elite Formula 1 driver. But replacing Lawson would also mean giving up a driver who has already demonstrated his value within the team.
Chandhok’s criticism reflects a growing argument that performance should count for something in Red Bull’s driver programme. A driver who responds to disappointment with a strong season should not automatically lose his position simply because another prospect has emerged.
For Lawson, the coming weeks could determine the direction of his Formula 1 career. He wants to remain with Racing Bulls, but Red Bull’s final decision may depend more on their long-term development strategy than on the points he has accumulated.
The biggest question is whether Red Bull are prepared to reward Lawson’s progress or risk losing an increasingly valuable driver in pursuit of their next potential superstar.
