Lawson’s wait puts Racing Bulls’ decision-making under the spotlight

Racing Bulls has yet to confirm its 2027 line-up, leaving Lawson waiting while the team considers its options.

In his latest comments after the São Paulo Grand Prix, Permane again said news would come “soon” before adding: “Let’s get it done soon.”

That sounds different from his earlier position. Ahead of Singapore, the Racing Bulls boss said a decision would arrive in the coming weeks and stressed that the team was “in no rush”.

Now, he has publicly recognised that the delay is frustrating for the drivers. The change does not reveal who will get the seats but it does, however, shift attention towards the process rather than simply another assessment of Lawson’s performances.

Lawson, Arvid Lindblad and Formula 2 contender Nikola Tsolov remain in contention, with neither Racing Bulls seat confirmed.

Retaining its current drivers would preserve continuity. Selecting Tsolov would create an opportunity for another prospect but require a decision about which incumbent makes way.

Permane has also declined to confirm whether retaining the existing pairing for 2027 while committing to Tsolov for 2028 is an option. His refusal to discuss that possibility should not be interpreted as either an endorsement or a rejection.

What remains clear is that the team has more candidates than available cars.

The wider Red Bull connection can make Racing Bulls’ selection process appear difficult to separate from decisions at the senior team.

However, GPblog’s reporting on Lawson’s contract prospects records Laurent Mekies making clear that Racing Bulls is responsible for its own driver choices.

That makes Permane’s public position particularly relevant. His support for Lawson is part of the picture, but support is not a contract announcement. Equally, the absence of an announcement is not proof that the team has decided against the New Zealander.

Racing Bulls is entitled to assess its options carefully. A driver decision affects more than the next race, and speed alone does not make a selection correct. But Permane’s acknowledgement of the drivers’ frustration means the human cost of waiting is no longer merely an outside observation.

The team itself has recognised it. For Lawson, another public expression of support offers less certainty than a confirmed seat. For Racing Bulls, another promise of news “soon” cannot explain the eventual decision.

When that announcement arrives, the central question will be how the chosen pairing serves the team’s plans.

Until then, Lawson is not the only one whose next move is under scrutiny, whether Permane likes it or not.