Two of the final seats on the F1 2027 grid set to be decided as huge call made

While there are still nine Grands Prix left in the 2026 Formula 1 season, teams have been looking into securing their driver combinations for 2027.

Throughout the early part of the season, there was much discussion about the future of Max Verstappen at Red Bull, but it appears the Dutch driver will remain at the team.

Now, any speculation remaining around the line-ups of the teams for 2027 has seemingly been cleared up ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Two of the final seats on the 2027 F1 grid set to be decided

Several of the constructors have named their line-ups already for the 2027 season, including Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari, and Williams.

While there are also some teams yet to fully confirm their driver combinations for the 2027 season, Red Bull and its sister team, Racing Bulls, have yet to confirm their full teams.

Verstappen is the only driver to have been confirmed at this point, but it appears a decision has been made regarding who will accompany him at Red Bull.

As reported by the New Zealand Herald, Nikola Tsolov has been linked with the Racing Bulls; however, only as a reserve driver.

The Bulgarian driver has impressed at Formula 2 level, and leads the Drivers' Championship after 11 rounds. He is seven points clear of second-placed Rafael Camara, who is on the junior books at Ferrari.

But Tsolov looks as if he will have to wait for a full-time seat in F1. It is claimed that Red Bull are lining him up for a stint in Japan's Super Formula instead - the same pathway taken by both Lawson and Pierre Gasly before they were given an F2 seat.

It is believed that Liam Lawson will likely return to the team after his short stint at Red Bull to cover the injured Isack Hadjar.

The French driver is expected to remain in his role with Red Bull, accompanying Verstappen.

Arvid Lindblad and Lawson have impressed this season when in the Racing Bulls car; the same impression of which has been given by their team principal Alan Permane.

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Racing Bulls team principal’s view on his team lineup

Permane is the man with the final decision on who he wants driving for Racing Bulls in 2027, and it appears that he is happy with the current order of things.

Speaking to media after the Spanish Grand Prix, Permane made his feelings clear about Lindblad and Lawson as rumours of Tsolov swirled.

He said: “We traditionally wait a little bit longer. We’re under no pressure to announce what we’re doing yet next year.

“Nikola [Tsolov], of course, features in our thoughts, and he’s having an incredible season. First season in F2, leading the championship. He’s got everything going for him.

“Having said that, I’ve got two fantastic drivers in Liam [Lawson] and Arvid [Lindblad] as well, so it’s a nice problem to have.”