Overview
- Permane rejected media claims that Nikola Tsolov had been guaranteed a Racing Bulls seat, saying at the Red Bull Ring on Friday that the reports are "just rumours" and there have been no internal discussions.
- The speculation followed Tsolov’s breakout rookie Formula 2 season, in which he has three wins and sits high in the standings, making him an obvious name in promotion talk.
- Permane explained that Tsolov does not yet hold the FIA super licence required to drive in official F1 sessions, and that practical eligibility was why Ayumu Iwasa has filled recent FP1 slots instead of Tsolov.
- Liam Lawson has downplayed the rumours, telling media he is focused on the current campaign and that he is happy with his situation at Racing Bulls.
- Racing Bulls sits inside Red Bull’s driver pathway, so strong F2 form keeps Tsolov on the team’s radar, but the team says any 2027 decision will depend on formal talks, licence eligibility, and season‑long evaluation.