Key Highlights:
- Liam Lawson earned 10 points across the Singapore Sprint and Grand Prix, finishing P5 and P8 respectively.
- Racing Bulls Team Principal Alan Permane confirmed that the team’s 2027 driver line-up decision will be made “in the coming weeks.”
- Formula 2 driver Nikola Tsolov has emerged as a potential contender for a Racing Bulls seat alongside Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad.
Liam Lawson Shines Under the Lights with Double Points Finish in Singapore
Liam Lawson delivered an impressive performance for Racing Bulls at the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, capturing 10 vital championship points across both the Sprint and the main Grand Prix. After securing eighth on the grid for Saturday’s 20-lap Sprint, the New Zealander navigated challenging mixed wet and dry conditions. Lawson avoided spinning McLarens on the final lap to jump to fifth place. Building on that momentum, he advanced to Q3 and completed sharp early overtakes during Sunday’s Grand Prix, eventually fending off Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg and Mercedes driver George Russell to cross the line in eighth position.
Despite his commanding showing on track, Lawson acknowledged the continuing uncertainty surrounding his future on the Formula 1 grid for the 2027 season. Reflecting on the team’s ongoing trajectory, Lawson stated:
“Very happy and very proud of the team. It’s been a pretty intense few weeks and as a team we’ve scored in all three races.”
“Personally, I probably should’ve scored in all three as well but it’s great to have the last few weekends go to plan. To have points in both the Sprint and race, for us, is great so I’m very happy.”
When questioned on whether hauling a double points finish in Singapore would be sufficient to retain his drive, Lawson remarked: “You tell me! It’s obviously normal at this point of the year, but right now I’m just focused on trying to score each weekend and try to keep extending.”
Racing Bulls’ 2027 Driver Decisions and Arvid Lindblad’s Struggles
Racing Bulls Team Principal Alan Permane confirmed during the Singapore weekend that the organization’s driver line-up for 2027 will be finalized “in the coming weeks”
. Lawson’s primary competition includes his current rookie team-mate Arvid Lindblad, alongside Formula 2 prospect Nikola Tsolov, who has entered the mix as a strong candidate for a race seat.
Lindblad has put together an eye-catching rookie campaign, accumulating 38 points to date and holding a position in the upper half of the Drivers’ Championship standings. However, his form has encountered turbulence in recent outings. Following an on-track clash with Lawson in Baku, Lindblad finished seventh, subsequently picking up a solitary point at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Singapore brought further complications, as the rookie slid from 10th to 15th after suffering an unsettled opening lap.
“I need to review the procedure. I don’t know if I messed it up or what but yeah, the start was shocking. Obviously I got swarmed into Turn 1 and then I had to brake because it all sort of pinched up. I think three of us would’ve been out so obviously I lost quite a few positions. I kind of knew at that point it was going to be a pretty long one.”
Lindblad also revealed mechanical hurdles during the race, stating: “Unfortunately we had quite a few issues that I was trying to nurse. I got driven past a few times on the straights so it’s not been an easy day.”
Looking ahead to future rounds, Lindblad acknowledged his need for a reset before arriving in Austin:
“There are a lot of things also on my side that I’ve been struggling with a bit, so I just need to understand with the team what’s been going on, why it’s been a bit more difficult these past few weekends, and just try and have a good reset before Austin. I don’t think I’ve been quite at my full form these past few weeks.”
“I think yesterday was positive in Qualifying. It’s been a difficult week and I was able to put it on the line over one lap. Maybe the results have been good in this triple header but I wouldn’t really say it’s been particularly great from my own performance point of view.”
Why This Matters
With Racing Bulls acting as a proven proving ground for junior talent, the driver market dynamic for 2027 has become critical. The battle for seats pits established adaptability against raw rookie upside and ascending feeder-series talent. Lawson’s ability to extract maximum points while defending against manufacturers like Mercedes and Audi strengthens his resume at a vital juncture. Meanwhile, Lindblad’s self-critical outlook reflects the high-pressure environment inside the Red Bull sister outfit, especially as Nikola Tsolov’s emergence adds external pressure from Formula 2 ahead of the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points did Liam Lawson score at the Singapore Grand Prix weekend?
Liam Lawson earned a combined total of 10 points over the weekend, finishing fifth in the Saturday Sprint and eighth in the Sunday Grand Prix.
Who are the main drivers in contention for the Racing Bulls 2027 seats?
Current Racing Bulls drivers Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad are under evaluation alongside Formula 2 racer Nikola Tsolov, with Team Principal Alan Permane stating a decision will arrive in the coming weeks.
What caused Arvid Lindblad to drop out of the points in Singapore?
Arvid Lindblad experienced a difficult launch into Turn 1 where he had to brake heavily to avoid an incident, dropping down the order before nursing straight-line speed issues to finish 15th.
