F1 2027 driver market: Racing Bulls weigh Lawson, Lindblad and Tsolov as Haas reportedly pick Camara
Racing Bulls and Haas are the last teams with open 2027 seats. Lawson scored 10 points in Singapore as Permane promises a decision in the coming weeks.
The 2027 Formula 1 grid is almost complete, and the last open seats are at Racing Bulls and Haas. After the Singapore Grand Prix, Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane said a decision on his line-up would come in the coming weeks. Liam Lawson made his case on track by scoring in both Singapore races. Meanwhile, Haas have reportedly settled on Ferrari junior Rafael Camara to replace Esteban Ocon, although neither team has confirmed the deal.
Lawson's Singapore statement
Lawson finished fifth in the sprint and seventh in the Grand Prix on 11 October, scoring 10 points across the weekend. He is ninth in the drivers' standings on 75 points, the top driver outside the four leading teams. Asked whether Singapore had gone a long way towards securing his 2027 seat, the New Zealander turned the question back on reporters. He said he was proud of the team and felt he should have scored in all three recent races.
Three drivers, two seats
Racing Bulls have not confirmed either driver for 2027. Permane has three candidates: Lawson; rookie team-mate Arvid Lindblad; and Bulgarian Nikola Tsolov, who is fighting for this year's Formula 2 title and is seen as Red Bull's next prospect. Permane summed up the problem by saying "three doesn't fit into two". He also said the team is not in a rush. Racing Bulls are fifth in the constructors' championship.
Haas and the Camara report
Esteban Ocon confirmed at the end of September that he will leave Haas at the end of 2026, after two seasons with the team. RacingNews365 reported on 11 October that Haas and Ferrari agreed during the Singapore weekend that Camara will take the seat. It said an announcement was expected soon. Camara, the 2025 FIA Formula 3 champion, is racing in F2 this year and has Ferrari backing. Reports say he would partner Oliver Bearman.
RacingNews365 also reported that Haas tested Jack Doohan, Ryo Hirakawa and Leonardo Fornaroli. Team principal Ayao Komatsu has played down suggestions that a Ferrari junior would make Haas look like a Ferrari junior team. Until Haas make an announcement, the Camara move is a report, not a confirmed signing.
The rest of the grid
The other nine teams, including Cadillac and Audi, have both their 2027 drivers in place, according to published contract trackers. That leaves Racing Bulls and Haas as the market's final pieces. Any Racing Bulls decision could also affect juniors waiting in F2, while Ocon's next move is still unclear.
Key takeaways
- Racing Bulls and Haas are the only teams without confirmed 2027 line-ups.
- Lawson scored 10 points in Singapore and is ninth in the standings on 75 points.
- Alan Permane must choose two drivers from Lawson, Arvid Lindblad and Nikola Tsolov, with a decision promised in the coming weeks.
- Haas have reportedly picked Rafael Camara to replace the departing Esteban Ocon, but nothing is official.
FAQ
Is Liam Lawson confirmed at Racing Bulls for 2027? No. Racing Bulls have not confirmed either driver. Team principal Alan Permane says a decision will come in the coming weeks.
Has Haas officially signed Rafael Camara? Not yet. RacingNews365 reported that the agreement was reached during the Singapore weekend, but neither Haas nor Ferrari has announced it.
Why is Esteban Ocon leaving Haas? Ocon and Haas confirmed in late September that they will part at the end of 2026, after two seasons together. He has not announced a 2027 drive.
Sources: PlanetF1, Grande Premio, RacingNews365, Formula1.com, The Star