Lindblad edits Tsolov post after fans read it as sign Lawson will be replaced

The timing could hardly have been more sensitive. Racing Bulls has not announced either of its drivers for next season, and Lawson, Lindblad and Tsolov are competing for two seats. If the caption had meant what some readers took from it, it would have revealed the team's entire 2027 line-up and left Lawson without his seat.

The post was built around the friendship between the two drivers. Lindblad looked back on their karting days and on how both had made it to Formula 1. The problem was what the original wording left out. It did not mention Mexico City or FP1, so it could be read as the pair being about to share the track as full-time team-mates.

The edit added that context. Lindblad specified that he meant opening practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix, when both young drivers ran for Racing Bulls. Tsolov drove Lawson's car in that session, so the fixed caption describes something that has already happened. It is not a hint about next season.

The quick fix did not stop the speculation and the post caused confusion because some fans took it as confirmation of the 2027 line-up. The outlet adds that the team's social media accounts have been flooded with demands that Lawson be re-signed.

This is the first time Lindblad himself has figured in the story. Until now, the Lawson debate has mostly been about the New Zealander and the Formula 2 contender pushing for his place.

Outside the team, opinion is split. In late August, GPblog reported that Tsolov's move to F1 was far from certain and that Lawson and Lindblad were the favourites to keep their seats. Its sources said the most likely role for the Bulgarian was test and reserve driver.

Former Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko sees it differently. Ahead of Mexico, he pointed to the young-driver philosophy of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz and argued that Tsolov should get the seat. "In keeping with this philosophy, the difficult decision between Liam Lawson and Nikola Tsolov at Racing Bulls should actually go in Tsolov's favour," Marko said.

Lindblad's edit does not settle anything. Tsolov finished 12th in that Mexico session, 0.126 seconds behind Lindblad, and Racing Bulls has only said its decision will come when the team is ready.