Liam Lawson has revealed that he has received “no assurance” about retaining his Racing Bulls seat as he battles to secure his future in Formula 1. Despite having an impressive season so far, currently ranking ninth in the 2026 world championship and leading the midfield pack, Lawson’s place at Racing Bulls remains uncertain.
The 24-year-old Kiwi driver showcased his skills by recovering from the pitlane to finish seventh at the Mexico City Grand Prix, raising his points total to 83—more than double that of his rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad. However, even these standout performances might not guarantee Lawson’s spot at Red Bull’s sister team for the 2027 season.
“I’m giving it my all every race weekend,” Lawson told Sky Sports F1. “In Mexico, I pushed to the limit. Right now, there is definitely no guarantee for next year. This is a tough sport, and honestly, I don’t know what else to say.”
Lawson’s position is reportedly at risk due to the rising talents of Red Bull junior driver and Formula 2 championship contender Nikola Tsolov. Tsolov made a strong debut in F1 practice, stepping in for Lawson during the Mexico City Grand Prix and immediately impressing the team.
“Honestly, Tsolov’s performance on Friday was outstanding for his first time in the car. He integrated seamlessly with the team,” Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer told Austrian media ORF. When asked about the driver lineup decision, Bayer said, “The decision lies with team principal Alan Permane, who will announce it when the time is right.”
Bayer also emphasized that Lawson has done everything possible to keep his seat. “That’s the general view around the paddock. However, as a key developer of talent in Formula 1, it is our job to keep bringing promising new drivers forward. We have introduced 22 drivers to F1, including Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. Ultimately, Alan will make the best decision for the team.”
Fan Take:
This uncertainty around Lawson’s future highlights how fiercely competitive Formula 1’s driver market can be, even for talented midfield performers. Racing Bulls fans should pay close attention, as the team’s choice could signal a shift towards nurturing emerging talent or sticking with proven experience—either way, it’s a decision that could shape the sport’s next generation.
Source: www.crash.net
