ripple effects of his eventual decision could reshape the entire
Red Bull and Racing Bulls driver lineups for years to come. While
Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull runs until the end of 2028, it
is well documented that the deal contains exit clauses that could
allow the four-time world champion to walk away before 2027. His
manager, Raymond Vermeulen, has confirmed those clauses exist and
indicated that a decision on Verstappen’s 2027 plans will come “in
the near future,” yet nothing has been publicly settled.
RacingNews365 understands that conversations between Verstappen’s
camp and Red Bull are set to continue across the Austrian Grand
Prix weekend, with the team eager to secure his commitment beyond
this season. Verstappen visited Red Bull’s Austrian headquarters
ahead of finishing fourth in Barcelona, while he has been in Milton
Keynes since the last grand prix to celebrate his 10th anniversary
with the team. Red Bull’s leading senior figures will be at the
outfit’s home race this weekend, a historic one for the team with
it being its first home grand prix as a power unit supplier. While
talks with the Dutchman over his future will continue in the
build-up to and across the Austrian GP, with the focus will be on
track due to Red Bull’s major upgrade package. The Lawson and
Tsolov dilemma Should Verstappen decide to leave Red Bull for a
rival, or indeed step away from F1 entirely, the most logical
internal candidate to fill the RB22 seat would be Liam Lawson. The
New Zealander is currently 10th in the standings with 28 points
after seven rounds, delivering a solid, consistent season for
Racing Bulls that has underlined his credentials as a future Red
Bull driver once again. RacingNews365 understands that Nikola
Tsolov is a serious option for the Faenza-based outfit, to replace
Lawson. However, it is understood that no deal has been signed yet.
The Bulgarian, who is currently second in the Formula 2
championship with Campos Racing on 80 points, has been one of the
standout performers in the junior category this year, with Feature
Race victories in Melbourne and Monte Carlo establishing him as the
next cab off the Red Bull junior rank. If Verstappen departs, the
path is clean: Lawson steps up to Red Bull, Tsolov slots into
Racing Bulls alongside Arvid Lindblad, and the junior programme
functions exactly as it was designed to. But if Verstappen stays,
and all indications from Vermeulen suggest that remains his
preference, Red Bull faces an altogether more awkward puzzle.
Lawson would have no obvious promotion path, leaving the team to
choose between keeping him at Racing Bulls or allowing him to
pursue opportunities elsewhere. Either way, it would block Tsolov’s
route to a 2027 race seat. One man’s decision, two careers in the
balance. The Austrian GP could prove pivotal for more than just
points on track.