Sports

Karun Chandhok Urges Racing Bulls to Retain Liam Lawson Amid F1 Seat Controversy

By Today News Hours Editorial Desk

Karun Chandhok has voiced strong support for Liam Lawson to keep his seat at Racing Bulls for the next season, calling a potential replacement by Nikola Tsolov "one of the most unjust sackings in F1." Lawson delivered a strong campaign for the Faenza‑based team and performed well in three rounds for Red Bull when Isack Hadjar was injured. The New Zealander has not yet received a contract offer for next year, while Tsolov is fighting to secure a grid spot. The 19‑year‑old is second in the F2 drivers’ standings and is regarded as the next driver up in Red Bull’s junior programme. Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane has acknowledged the challenge of having three strong drivers for only two race seats, with Arvid Lindblad expected to remain after a solid rookie season. Chandhok, speaking on Sky Sports F1 during FP1 in Mexico, said Lawson’s departure would be unjust because he has performed well after returning from a previous sacking at Red Bull. He questioned whether there is evidence that Tsolov would be a better option and highlighted the team’s own identity and competitive goals beyond driver development.