Racing Bulls team boss reveals new update on Liam Lawson's F1 future

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Liam Lawson discussed the uncertainty surrounding his future in Formula 1, despite sitting ninth in the drivers' standings. Meanwhile, Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov is waiting in the wings for an opportunity to step up to F1.

Lawson said on Thursday: "I feel a lot better now coming into this weekend. I know as well that I feel like there's not really much else I could do at the moment in this car. We're having a great season. I'm having a great season, and the team is having a great season. We're in a position that we've never been before."

About his future, he added: "It's pretty blurry at the moment, honestly. So, not much indication on when."

With all the noise surrounding Lawson's future in the competition, Permane was asked about the situation.

He began: "I'm not going to give you a date, I'm sure you're not surprised to hear that. Look, Red Bull's had a very successful young driver programme, and I think, if I want to be... and I don't want to be critical of it, but I think if you guys are critical of it, maybe sometimes the drivers haven't been able to have enough time to settle, or maybe some snap decisions have been made."

About the methodology, he explained: "We're trying to apply a little bit of science, and that takes some time. So we are looking at everything and studying, analysing, and time is on our side. We're not in a rush to do anything, and I'm very confident the right decision will be made. I realize it's frustrating for our drivers. I realise it's frustrating for everyone else, but we want to get it right, and we will get it right. I'm sure when we announce it in the coming weeks, everyone will be happy."

He then added: "All solutions are possible. I'm not going to give you any clues on what we're going to do because, honestly, we're almost there, but we're not finalized. I don't want to say one thing or the other on that. But nice try."

What is already guaranteed is Permane's long-term future at Racing Bulls. Ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, it was announced that he will remain with the Faenza-based outfit until the end of the 2031 campaign.