Liam Lawson sits ninth in the Formula 1 drivers’ championship with 83 points, yet Red Bull junior outfit Racing Bulls is not expected to retain his services for the upcoming season, ORIGO reported. Despite securing twice as many points as rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad, the New Zealand driver faces an uncertain future as the team prioritizes its junior talent pipeline, according to M4 Sport.
Lawson secures third on grid after penalties
Lawson secured the fifth position during qualifying for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in intense wet weather conditions on the soaked Interlagos circuit, F1vilag reported. Grid penalties for George Russell, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen elevated Lawson to the third spot on the starting grid, matching his career-best starting position previously achieved at Baku in 2025, Formula.hu noted. Despite the strong result, Lawson expressed frustration to Sky Sports F1 regarding a missed opportunity in Q3 after getting too close to Fernando Alonso.
“I don’t know what else they expect of me,” Lawson told Sky Sports F1 when questioned about his performance and contract status. Formula.hu reported that Lawson took the blame for the mistake behind Alonso, admitting he did not leave enough space during his flying lap before the rain intensified.
Red Bull Junior Pipeline Pressures
The Racing Bulls outfit functions primarily as a feeder team for Red Bull, tasked with preparing drivers for the senior squad rather than maintaining static lineups, M4 Sport reported. Player.hu noted that CEO Peter Bayer acknowledged the team’s core mission of junior development. With Bulgarian prospect Nikola Colov waiting in the wings, Lawson’s performances may not secure his seat for the following year, according to sources.
“When a decision drags out this late in the season, you’re left with almost no choices,” Lawson told Sky Sports F1 regarding the timing of the team’s driver market decisions. M4 Sport reported that team principal Alan Permane indicated a final decision regarding the 2027 lineup is approaching, though no firm date has been set.
Brundle backs Lawson for continued F1 seat
Former F1 driver Martin Brundle asserted that Lawson’s performance warrants a continued presence in the elite series. “Liam has already done enough to stay in Formula 1,” Brundle said, adding that if the current seat is unavailable, the New Zealander could secure a reserve role or find an alternative drive. ORIGO reported that Cadillac has also been linked as a potential landing spot for the 24-year-old driver.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liam Lawson’s Future
Why is Racing Bulls considering replacing Liam Lawson?
Racing Bulls operates as Red Bull’s junior development squad rather than a traditional independent team, prioritizing incoming talents like Nikola Tsolov over established drivers who do not have a path back to the senior Red Bull roster, M4 Sport reported.
What was Liam Lawson’s best starting position at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix?
Lawson started from the third position on the grid after qualifying fifth and advancing due to engine and grid penalties applied to several front-running drivers, Formula.hu reported.
How many points does Liam Lawson have in the drivers’ standings?
Lawson has accumulated 83 points, placing him ninth in the individual world championship standings, according to ORIGO.
What alternative team has been linked to Liam Lawson for his future?
The Cadillac team has been mentioned in paddock reports as a potential destination for Lawson if he departs the Red Bull stable, ORIGO reported.
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