# F1 Q&A: Racing Bulls, Rwanda, Imola and Red Bull Engine

> Red Bull may keep Lawson for 2027 as F1 eyes Rwanda race amid DRC tensions.
- Title: F1 Q&A: Racing Bulls, Rwanda, Imola and Red Bull Engine
- Summary: Red Bull may keep Lawson for 2027 as F1 eyes Rwanda race amid DRC tensions. Red Bull could retain Liam Lawson for 2027 while F1 prepares a Rwanda Grand Prix…
- Keywords: racing bulls, liam lawson, arvid lindblad, red bull, ferrari, mercedes, formula 1, imola, rwanda, drc, international court of justice, f1 engine
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/articles/cx30ez4ge3z7o
- Published: 2026-10-20T06:59:17.818+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: racing bulls, liam lawson, arvid lindblad, red bull, ferrari, mercedes, formula 1, imola, rwanda, drc, international court of justice, f1 engine
## Racing Bulls 2027 Driver Line-Up
Racing Bulls have not finalized their 2027 driver lineup with Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad in contention.
## Red Bull Junior Driver Strategy
Red Bull may keep Lawson and Lindblad together for 2027 to test Lindblad's consistency against Lawson.
## Red Bull Management Shift
Helmut Marko's departure from Red Bull junior driver selection creates uncertainty for 2027 lineup.
## Rwanda Grand Prix Controversy
F1 plans Rwanda Grand Prix despite DRC accusations of 'sportswashing' and international human rights concerns.
## DRC's Opposition to Rwanda
DRC's foreign minister claims Rwanda's host status for F1 fuels conflict in eastern DRC and violates international treaties.
## Imola as Backup Track
Imola is being prepared as a backup venue for F1's final race if Qatar and Abu Dhabi races are canceled.
## F1's Security Concerns
F1 monitors Middle East volatility after US midterms and potential missile threats to race locations.
## Red Bull Engine Supply
Red Bull may supply engines to customer teams if Mercedes performance lags in 2027.
## F1's African Race Strategy
F1 aims to establish a race in Africa with Rwanda as the first viable host after failed bids in South Africa.
## DRC's Accusations
DRC's foreign minister accuses Rwanda of fueling conflict in eastern DRC and exploiting Congolese resources.
## F1's Response to DRC
F1 claims the race will inspire African fans and promote sport's positive impact without conflict-linked minerals.
## Imola Backup Costs
F1 will cover costs for Imola if it is not used as the final race venue.
## Red Bull's Junior Driver Approach
Red Bull may prioritize Lawson's consistency over Lindblad's potential for 2027 driver selection.
## F1's Next Steps
F1 prepares for potential race cancellations in Middle East and finalizes Rwanda Grand Prix host.
## Key takeaway

Red Bull could retain Liam Lawson for 2027 while F1 prepares a Rwanda Grand Prix amid DRC concerns.