Liam Lawson has made it clear that he has no regrets about his 2026 Formula 1 campaign, even as uncertainty continues to surround his future with Racing Bulls. The New Zealand driver is fighting to retain his seat for 2027, but his latest comments suggest he is no longer allowing the pressure of Red Bull’s driver decisions to dictate his performances.
Lawson has enjoyed a considerably stronger season after returning to Racing Bulls following his brief and difficult spell at Red Bull in 2025. With 77 points in the Drivers’ Championship, including 63 earned for Racing Bulls, he has established himself as one of the most productive drivers outside the leading four teams. His contribution has also helped Racing Bulls occupy fifth position in the Constructors’ Championship after 18 of the 23 rounds.
However, his impressive campaign has not guaranteed his future. Red Bull are reportedly weighing up whether to retain Lawson or promote Bulgarian prospect Nikola Tsolov for the 2027 season. Arvid Lindblad is expected to remain part of the Racing Bulls line-up, leaving the second seat as the major question. Reports suggesting Lawson’s management has explored opportunities with Cadillac have added another layer of uncertainty.
LAWSON SAYS HE HAS DONE ENOUGH TO EARN HIS PLACE
Lawson believes his performances, particularly during the second half of the season, have demonstrated that he deserves another opportunity with Racing Bulls. He has worked to improve his consistency, maximise the opportunities available and deliver points even when the car has not been capable of challenging the leading teams.
Speaking about his campaign, Lawson explained that he previously spent too much time worrying about his future. The experience of losing his Red Bull seat after only two races in 2025 appears to have changed his approach.
He said he was no longer allowing the uncertainty surrounding driver selection to occupy his thoughts, choosing instead to concentrate on extracting the maximum from every race weekend.
Lawson also acknowledged that there are always areas where a driver can improve. Nevertheless, he believes he has produced a strong season and would be satisfied knowing he had given everything if he were not on the grid next year.
His message was particularly revealing: he feels there is not much more he could have done in 2026 to strengthen his case.
RED BULL’S NIKOLA TSOLOV DECISION COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING
The emergence of Nikola Tsolov has created a difficult situation for Lawson. Red Bull have a long history of promoting young drivers through their development programme, and the Bulgarian has become one of the names attracting attention as the organisation considers its future line-up.
Promoting Tsolov would give him an opportunity to develop within the Racing Bulls environment, following the pathway previously taken by several young drivers connected to Red Bull.
But there is a significant difference between promoting a promising rookie and retaining an established driver who has already demonstrated his ability to score points in Formula 1.
Lawson offers experience, technical familiarity and an understanding of the team’s working environment. Replacing him would mean giving up those advantages in favour of a longer-term investment whose immediate performance level remains uncertain.
Red Bull must therefore decide whether the potential benefits of introducing another young driver outweigh the stability Lawson could provide.
WHY RACING BULLS MAY PREFER TO KEEP LAWSON
There is also a practical argument for retaining Lawson beyond his individual performances.
Racing Bulls have already invested in developing young talent, with Isack Hadjar and Lindblad representing important parts of the team’s recent driver strategy. Keeping Lawson alongside Lindblad could provide a useful balance between experience and youth.
The team is also operating in the second season of Formula 1’s 2026 regulations era. Improving the car, understanding its weaknesses and developing a stronger technical package will be crucial to maintaining progress.
An experienced driver who understands the team’s systems can help accelerate that process. Lawson’s familiarity with Racing Bulls could therefore be valuable as the team looks to consolidate its position and challenge more regularly for points.
However, Red Bull’s wider development strategy could still influence the final decision, particularly if senior management believes Tsolov is ready for the next step.
CADILLAC COULD BECOME AN ALTERNATIVE
The possibility of Lawson exploring opportunities elsewhere adds another dimension to the situation. Reports that his management has contacted Cadillac suggest that his options may extend beyond the Red Bull family.
Cadillac, which has already secured Sergio Perez on a long-term agreement, could potentially offer Lawson another route into the future of Formula 1. However, there is no confirmed agreement or announcement connecting the New Zealander with the American team.
For Lawson, remaining at Racing Bulls is reportedly the preferred outcome. But his latest comments indicate that he is preparing himself mentally for whatever decision Red Bull eventually makes.
That mindset could prove important. A driver who feels he has delivered everything possible is less likely to allow uncertainty to damage his final races of the season.
RED BULL MUST MAKE A DECISION THAT PROTECTS ITS FUTURE
Lawson’s situation highlights one of the biggest challenges within the Red Bull driver programme: producing young talent while giving existing drivers enough stability to demonstrate their abilities.
The New Zealander has experienced both sides of that system. He received a promotion to the senior Red Bull team, lost the opportunity after just two races, returned to Racing Bulls and has now produced a campaign that gives him a legitimate argument for another season.
Whether that will be enough remains uncertain.
Tsolov represents potential, while Lawson represents proven experience within the current team structure. Neither option is without risk, and the decision could influence Racing Bulls’ competitiveness in 2027.
For now, Lawson appears determined to finish the season strongly rather than become distracted by speculation. If Red Bull decide to retain him, he will have another opportunity to build on his progress. If they release him, he wants to leave knowing that his performances gave the team every reason to reconsider.
That is the message behind his defiant stance: Lawson wants to stay, but he is no longer prepared to measure his season solely by Red Bull’s decision.
