Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has delivered a major verdict on Liam Lawson’s Formula 1 future, insisting the Racing Bulls driver possesses the talent to become a world champion under the right circumstances. However, Steiner believes the New Zealander must make a significant career decision if he genuinely wants to fulfil his championship ambitions.
Lawson’s impressive performances throughout the 2026 campaign have strengthened his reputation, with the 24-year-old continuing to demonstrate that he can compete effectively despite driving outside Formula 1’s leading four teams. His latest seventh-place finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix has further increased pressure on Red Bull’s decision-makers regarding his future.
GUENTHER STEINER DELIVERS MAJOR VERDICT ON LAWSON
Speaking to New Zealand radio station MoreFM, Steiner expressed confidence that Lawson would remain with Racing Bulls for the 2027 season.
However, the former Haas boss believes staying within the Red Bull structure indefinitely could prevent Lawson from reaching his ultimate potential.
Steiner explained that although Lawson has demonstrated impressive ability, a promotion to Red Bull Racing appears unlikely, particularly with Max Verstappen already established in the senior team and Isack Hadjar occupying the other seat.
He believes Lawson must eventually consider leaving the Red Bull family if he wants to compete for Formula 1’s biggest prize.
Steiner’s comments represent an important distinction between simply retaining a seat and building a genuine championship-winning career.
CAN LIAM LAWSON REALLY BECOME A FORMULA 1 WORLD CHAMPION?
Steiner believes Lawson possesses the natural ability required to become a world champion, but insists that talent alone will not be enough.
The former Haas principal acknowledged that several current Formula 1 drivers possess comparable ability, meaning the difference between becoming a champion and remaining a midfield competitor often depends on the machinery available.
In his assessment, Lawson has already demonstrated that he can perform exceptionally well with Racing Bulls, despite the team’s limitations compared with the championship contenders.
Steiner’s central argument is that Lawson must eventually secure a competitive car capable of regularly fighting for victories.
That observation reflects one of Formula 1’s most frustrating realities: even outstanding drivers can spend years outside championship contention when their teams lack the necessary performance.
RED BULL PROMOTION COULD BE THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE
One of the most interesting aspects of Steiner’s assessment concerns Lawson’s relationship with Red Bull.
The New Zealander previously received an opportunity with the senior team in 2025 before being demoted after only two race weekends.
That experience demonstrated how unforgiving Red Bull’s driver programme can be, particularly when expectations are exceptionally high.
Although Lawson has since rebuilt his reputation at Racing Bulls, Steiner does not believe another promotion to the senior team is the most realistic route toward a championship.
Verstappen’s long-term position at Red Bull also makes the prospect of securing a senior seat increasingly complicated.
For Lawson, remaining within the organisation could provide stability, but leaving might offer greater freedom to pursue a team capable of building around him.
ASTON MARTIN, CADILLAC AND WILLIAMS EMERGE AS POSSIBLE OPTIONS
Lawson has previously been linked with several teams outside the Red Bull structure, including Aston Martin, Cadillac and Williams.
Each represents a different opportunity, although none currently guarantees an immediate championship-winning car.
Aston Martin could become an attractive destination if its development programme produces the expected improvements, while Cadillac represents a potentially ambitious long-term project.
Williams, meanwhile, could provide Lawson with an opportunity to establish himself as a leading driver within a team seeking to return to regular competitiveness.
The important consideration would be whether Lawson receives a clear leadership role and sufficient technical support to help develop the car.
A move away from Red Bull would therefore need to be carefully evaluated rather than driven purely by frustration over promotion prospects.
LAWSON’S BRAZILIAN GP PERFORMANCE STRENGTHENS HIS CASE
Lawson’s seventh-place finish at Interlagos provided another encouraging result during a season in which his consistency has become one of his strongest arguments.
After qualifying third in challenging conditions, the Racing Bulls driver demonstrated impressive speed against considerably stronger opposition.
He also benefited from penalties affecting other competitors, but his underlying performance remained encouraging.
The result further strengthened the argument that Lawson has become one of the most competitive drivers outside Formula 1’s leading teams.
With Racing Bulls still considering its 2027 lineup, performances like Brazil could prove decisive in determining whether the team retains its current driver pairing.
RED BULL’S DRIVER DECISION COULD SHAPE LAWSON’S CAREER
Lawson’s immediate priority remains securing his future, with Racing Bulls reportedly weighing its options before making a final decision.
Nikola Tsolov has emerged as a potential challenger for the available seat, creating uncertainty despite Lawson’s recent improvement.
Steiner’s assessment suggests that even if Lawson receives another season at Racing Bulls, the bigger question will concern his long-term ambitions.
Remaining within Red Bull could keep him connected to a major championship-winning organisation, but it may also leave him dependent on opportunities that are difficult to predict.
A move elsewhere could provide greater independence and a clearer route toward becoming the central figure in another team’s rebuilding programme.
LAWSON FACES A DEFINING CAREER DECISION
Steiner’s comments have placed Lawson’s future into a broader perspective, moving beyond the immediate question of whether he will retain his Racing Bulls seat.
The New Zealander has already demonstrated that he can recover from setbacks and perform under pressure.
However, becoming a Formula 1 world champion requires more than impressive individual performances. It demands the right team, competitive machinery, consistent execution and a long-term development strategy.
Lawson’s next contract could therefore become one of the most important decisions of his career.
If Steiner’s assessment proves correct, the 24-year-old may eventually need to choose between remaining loyal to the Red Bull system and pursuing an independent path toward championship contention.
For now, Lawson’s immediate future remains unresolved, but his recent performances have ensured that his ambitions are being taken seriously throughout the paddock.
