Lawson to miss first Mexico GP practice as Red Bull rival drives car

Nikola Tsolov

Liam Lawson will miss the first practice session at this weekend's Mexico Grand Prix, while Red Bull prospect Nikola Tsolov takes the wheel of the Kiwi's car.

Racing Bulls confirmed the 19-year-old Bulgarian, currently second in the Formula 2 championship, will spend the hour-long session in Lawson's car. It will be his first time in any F1 session.

Under F1 rules, all teams must give reserve drivers the opportunity to drive in four practice sessions a year.

"I'm excited to take this next step, build on that experience and learn more about the car and the current regulations," Tsolov said in a statement.

"I'll focus on making the most of the session, working closely with the team and providing useful feedback."

Racing Bulls is yet to confirm its driver lineup for next season, with both Lawson and British teammate Arvid Lindblad still without contracts. Tsolov is widely seen as the next Red Bull junior to make the leap into Formula 1.

Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane said about Tsolov's upcoming session: "It reflects our commitment to nurturing emerging talent and giving our junior drivers valuable track time and the support they need to learn and develop.

"Having already worked with Nikola at Imola, we're looking forward to seeing him build on that experience in Mexico and to the feedback he can provide to help support our preparations for the weekend."

Parmane has said the team will announce its lineup "in the coming weeks".

It's been a strong season for Lawson, who will be hoping his performances are enough earn him another year in the sport. He finished another race in the top 10 at Monday's US Grand Prix and sits ninth in the drivers' standings.

The Mexico GP starts on Saturday, with the race to be held on Monday morning (NZT)

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