In June, reports out of Spain linked Red Bull-backed Formula Two driver Nikola Tsolov with Lawson’s seat – only for Racing Bulls to tell the Herald no decisions had been made when questioned.
However, Permane has also publicly admitted Tsolov is “next in line” to step into Formula One with Racing Bulls.
And while Tsolov’s chances of promotion have taken a hit by losing control of the Formula Two championship to Camara – potentially freeing him to spend another year in the series – Permane wouldn’t be drawn on which way the team will lean when making their decision.
“I don’t want to give you a definite date,” Permane said. “It’s going to be in the coming weeks.
“We’re not in a rush. I think everyone knows we’ve got two fantastic drivers, we’ve got a fantastic driver in F2 at the moment. They’re all there and ready to go at the moment, but three doesn’t fit into two, of course.
“We’re going to take a little bit more time and make sure we get the right pairing for next year.”
Sources have also told the Herald that Tsolov will likely replace Ayumu Iwasa as Racing Bulls’ reserve driver, potentially alongside a stint in Japanese Super Formula, akin to Lawson’s in 2023.
Further complicating the matter is Lawson’s form, currently the sport’s “best of the rest” as the highest-placed driver outside of Formula One’s top four teams.
On top of that, the Herald understands Lawson’s role as Racing Bulls’ team leader is incredibly valuable for the wider Red Bull racing organisation.
Regardless, Racing Bulls’ identity as Red Bull’s sister side – with its existence being to grow drivers for promotion – could also play a part in deciding which drivers get the nod.
As a counter to that, though, Red Bull won’t need to promote a driver for the foreseeable future, with the pair of Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar on long-term contracts.
But asked exactly what Racing Bulls want out of their 2027 pairing, Permane outlined the equation comes down to more than just results.
“There’s many, many, many things,” he explained. “Top of the list is speed, pace and all that goes with that. There’s lots of [things] in the background.
“We’re in a slightly unique situation. We want to bring on young drivers, we want to bring on young talent.
“We have one eye on them progressing in the future. So it’s not just about the here and now, it’s also about what they can do in the future.”
Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.
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