When job security is hard to come by in Formula 1, the best response for a driver is to perform at a level that is impossible to ignore. This approach has guided Liam Lawson through a high-stakes battle for his future throughout the recent Americas triple-header, as reported by Autosport.com.
Strong Performances on Track
Following a key role in lifting Racing Bulls to fifth in the constructors’ championship—marking the Anglo-Italian team’s best-ever result—Lawson finished ninth in Austin before securing back-to-back seventh-place finishes in Mexico and Brazil. His strong run culminated in a stellar weekend during treacherous conditions in Brazil, where he qualified fifth and started third following grid penalties for George Russell and Charles Leclerc. After briefly passing McLaren’s Lando Norris for second at the start in the rain, Lawson ultimately claimed eighth on the road before being promoted to seventh due to a penalty for Leclerc.
Driving to secure his future has proven exhausting for the 24-year-old, though fighting for his seat has been a constant reality since he debuted as a deputy for the injured Daniel Ricciardo in 2023. Lawson has amassed 89 points this season, making him the highest-scoring driver outside the top four teams.
Decision Looming for 2027
As reported by The Race and understood by Autosport.com, signs now point toward the pendulum swinging back in Lawson’s favour, with the driver set to stay put for 2027 and Nikola Tsolov coming on board as a reserve. Sources indicate that while a final decision is close, it has not yet been formally signed off, with an announcement expected over the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend.
While rookie Arvid Lindblad remains viewed as future Red Bull material, and the Austrian parent company is excited by Formula 2 frontrunner Tsolov’s promise, keeping Lawson aligns with Racing Bulls’ objectives. Having an experienced benchmark has proven valuable for gauging Lindblad’s progress, while a reserve role featuring private testing and simulator work would still benefit 19-year-old Tsolov.
Leadership Perspective
Racing Bulls team principal and co-CEO Alan Permane has been keen to maximize performance and retain Lawson. Speaking in Sao Paulo, Permane stated that pace and speed are the primary factors evaluated by the team. At the same time, he noted the squad’s dual purpose of bringing young talent through while maintaining enough experience to accurately measure that talent.
Lawson acknowledged the support he has received from his team principal. Meanwhile, Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments at Red Bull, praised Permane’s leadership and the progress the team has made under his guidance. Permane acknowledged the frustration surrounding the prolonged deliberations, telling Autosport.com that the team wants to ensure the decision is correct and expects everyone to be satisfied when the announcement arrives in the coming weeks.
