Ralf Schumacher expects Nikola Tsolov to replace Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls

Former Formula 1 star Ralf Schumacher believes Racing Bulls will part ways with Liam Lawson at the end of the current season and give Nikola Tsolov a chance, despite admitting that the New Zealander has performed well this year.

Lawson has scored the majority of the team’s points, with 65 compared to 38 for his team-mate Arvid Lindblad. Despite this, rumours within Formula 1 suggest that Lawson could be the one to lose his seat if the team decides to put its faith in the Bulgarian youngster.

“I believe Arvid Lindblad will stay and they will give Tsolov a chance,” Schumacher told Sky Sports Deutschland.

“All the changes have also shown that Lawson has certainly done well this year. But he simply couldn’t provide that extra something that was expected of him. That is why he is no longer at Red Bull, while Hadjar is there. This is the second team and that is its role.”

“Lawson has been here for a long time. He returned to the team and deserves it. But if you want to focus on the next superstar, you have to make a change now. Max Verstappen is staying with us until 2030. Tsolov is a promising talent and a young driver should be given a chance. You can rely on Lindblad – next year he will be able to take on the role of the more experienced driver in the team.”

Schumacher also believes Lindblad has already edged ahead of Lawson in terms of potential.

“Overall, Lindblad is already slightly stronger than Lawson. What sets him apart, in my opinion, is his ability to get out on track and immediately show his speed. And this is only Lindblad’s first year; it is completely expected that he will continue to develop. Think of Kimi Antonelli during his first six months.”