Lawson to Williams, Colov to Racing Bulls? New speculation emerges at Interlagos
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The November chill has arrived in full force, but Formula 1 is still awash with speculation about hot driver moves. The biggest question remains Liam Lawson’s future, with the New Zealander facing a tricky situation if Red Bull’s teams controversially decide against keeping him. There are virtually no seats left on the grid for 2027.
If Red Bull were to decide that Lawson does not have what it takes to reach the senior team one day, the New Zealander would have few options. A seat has recently become available at Cadillac, where serious consideration is being given to replacing Valtteri Bottas with Colton Herta. There is also officially a vacancy at Haas, although Ollie Bearman’s deal is expected to be finalised there.
Lawson’s situation is attracting increasing attention. That prompted French broadcaster Canal+ to speculate that a move to Williams is on the table for Liam, replacing Alex Albon. Albon would therefore unexpectedly have to make way for Lawson, whose place at Racing Bulls would be taken by Nikola Tsolov.
The three-way reshuffle attracted considerable attention, but was quickly dismissed. Two leading British journalists swiftly addressed the situation from Interlagos, reporting that no such talks had ever taken place. They cited information from sources within all the parties involved.
“On the sudden speculation regarding Alex Albon’s seat at Williams, and Liam Lawson, multiple sources have indicated there is so truth whatsoever to the possibility of Albon not being in his seat,” reported well-known journalist Thomas Maher.
ESPN’s Nate Saunders echoed that assessment. “On the Canal+ suggestion about Liam Lawson and Alex Albon’s seat at Williams. I’ve spoken to both Williams and sources close to Liam here at Interlagos and there haven’t been any talks between the two. Albon signed a contract extension earlier this year.”
On the Canal+ suggestion about Liam Lawson and Alex Albon’s seat at Williams. I’ve spoken to both Williams and sources close to Liam here at Interlagos and there haven’t been any talks between the two. Albon signed a contract extension earlier this year.
Permane: Everyone will be happy
Perhaps the source of the speculation is not so difficult to identify, however. During his Friday media duties, Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane promised a solution that would keep everyone happy.
That could mean anything from Lawson moving to Williams to Tsolov heading to Super Formula with a promise that the seat will be his in 2028, whether he replaces Lawson or potentially Lindblad. “I realise 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,” said Permane.
“I’m sure when we announce it in the coming weeks, everyone will be happy,” promised the Racing Bulls boss.
He declined to offer a timeframe or outline the range of options under consideration. Everything is said to be on the table, and a decision could come at any time. “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 finalised. I don’t want to say one thing or the other on that,” said Permane.
