Liam Lawson has admitted that his Formula 1 future is becoming increasingly uncertain as Racing Bulls continue to delay their driver announcement for the 2027 season. Despite delivering one of the strongest midfield performances of 2026, the New Zealand driver fears that waiting until the final stages of the campaign has left him with very limited alternatives if Red Bull decides to replace him.
The 24-year-old has been one of the standout performers outside Formula 1’s leading four teams, consistently demonstrating his ability to compete at a high level. However, his impressive performances have not yet guaranteed another season with Racing Bulls, leaving him in an uncomfortable position as the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend unfolds.
LIAM LAWSON QUESTIONS WHAT MORE HE CAN DO AFTER IMPRESSIVE 2026 CAMPAIGN
Lawson’s situation is particularly frustrating considering how much progress he has made since his difficult introduction to Red Bull’s senior team in 2025. After being dropped following just two races with the main Red Bull squad, he returned to Racing Bulls determined to rebuild his reputation.
His performances this season have provided a convincing response to those who previously questioned whether he could handle the pressure of Formula 1. Lawson has collected points at 14 of the 19 race weekends so far, establishing himself as a reliable contributor to Racing Bulls’ championship ambitions.
Together with teammate Arvid Lindblad, the Kiwi has helped Racing Bulls secure fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship battle while maintaining a competitive advantage over Alpine.
Speaking to Sky F1, Lawson expressed his frustration about the uncertainty surrounding his future.
“I don’t know,” he said when asked whether he would remain with Racing Bulls next season.
“Every weekend I’ve been trying to do my best, and I feel like we’ve had a really strong year, and we’re in a good position.
“We’re fighting Alpine, we’re pulling away from Alpine every weekend. I don’t know what else they want me to do.”
His comments underline the difficult position he occupies within Red Bull’s driver structure. Lawson appears to have demonstrated the consistency and competitiveness required to remain in Formula 1, yet the organisation is still evaluating whether he deserves another opportunity.
RED BULL’S YOUNG DRIVER PROGRAMME CREATES ANOTHER THREAT
One of Lawson’s biggest challenges is the increasingly competitive environment within Red Bull’s driver development programme.
Having spent several years developing within the organisation, Lawson was previously viewed as a potential long-term candidate for the senior Red Bull seat. However, Isack Hadjar’s promotion to the main team has significantly reduced his chances of returning to the championship-winning outfit.
The emergence of Nikola Tsolov has created another complication.
The Bulgarian youngster is currently fighting for the Formula 2 championship, and Red Bull is reportedly keen to evaluate his potential for a future Formula 1 opportunity.
If Tsolov receives a promotion to Racing Bulls, Lawson could find himself displaced despite delivering a strong campaign.
That possibility highlights the uncomfortable reality of being part of Red Bull’s highly competitive junior programme: strong performances are important, but they do not automatically guarantee security.
LAWSON ADMITS HIS OPTIONS OUTSIDE RED BULL ARE LIMITED
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of Lawson’s comments is his admission that alternative opportunities are becoming increasingly difficult to secure.
When asked whether he had options outside the Red Bull organisation, his response suggested that the prolonged uncertainty had seriously restricted his possibilities.
“It’s tough, isn’t it? It’s the end of the season. When something like this is pushed all the way to the end, you’re left with not really any options. So it’s not the easiest situation,” Lawson explained.
He added that his priority remains competing in Formula 1 and that he believes his performances have been strong enough to justify another opportunity.
Cadillac currently represents the only other team with an unfilled seat for the 2027 season. However, Lawson would face competition from American driver Colton Herta, who has been associated with the team’s plans and could have an advantage because of his existing relationship with the organisation.
This leaves Lawson in a difficult position. Leaving Red Bull without a confirmed alternative could jeopardise his immediate Formula 1 future, while remaining within the programme means waiting for a decision that may not favour him.
ALAN PERMANE EXPLAINS WHY RACING BULLS ARE TAKING THEIR TIME
Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane has acknowledged the frustration surrounding the prolonged decision-making process but insists the organisation is deliberately changing how it evaluates young drivers.
Previously, Red Bull’s driver programme was known for making rapid decisions. Under former team principal Christian Horner and advisor Helmut Marko, drivers were often promoted or removed after relatively short periods of evaluation.
That approach produced remarkable successes, including Max Verstappen’s rapid promotion to the senior team, but it also attracted criticism when young drivers struggled to establish themselves.
Permane believes the organisation is now attempting to take a more measured approach.
“Red Bull has had a very successful young driver programme, and I think if you guys are critical of it, maybe sometimes the drivers haven’t been able to have enough time to settle, or maybe some snap decisions have been made,” he explained during the Brazilian Grand Prix press conference.
“We’re trying to apply a little bit of science, and that takes some time.”
According to Permane, Racing Bulls is examining the available information carefully before making a final decision.
He also acknowledged that the uncertainty is frustrating for the drivers but insisted the organisation remains confident about reaching the correct conclusion.
COULD LAWSON’S STRONG SEASON STILL BE ENOUGH TO SAVE HIS SEAT?
From a performance perspective, Lawson has presented a compelling argument for retaining his Racing Bulls position.
His consistency, ability to score points and contribution to the team’s championship position demonstrate that he has become a valuable asset. Replacing an experienced driver who understands the team’s development direction could introduce unnecessary instability.
However, Red Bull’s decision will likely involve more than simply comparing championship points.
The organisation must consider long-term development, the potential of its younger drivers, team chemistry and whether Lawson can eventually become a serious candidate for a senior Red Bull opportunity.
That makes the situation particularly complicated. Racing Bulls may prefer a younger driver with greater long-term upside, even if Lawson currently offers a more established level of performance.
The decision could also influence how other Red Bull junior drivers view the programme. Retaining Lawson after a strong season would demonstrate that consistent results can earn drivers security, while replacing him could reinforce the perception that opportunities within the organisation remain unpredictable.
BRAZILIAN GP WEEKEND COULD BRING LAWSON CLOSER TO A DEFINITIVE ANSWER
With the 2026 campaign approaching its conclusion, Lawson’s future is becoming one of the most closely watched stories within the Red Bull organisation.
Permane has indicated that an announcement will arrive in the coming weeks, suggesting the uncertainty may soon be resolved.
For Lawson, the remaining races represent another opportunity to strengthen his case. Although his performances have already been impressive, a strong finish could make it more difficult for Racing Bulls to justify replacing him.
The Kiwi is also facing an important career decision. Remaining patient within Red Bull could preserve his chances of eventually returning to the senior team, but losing his Racing Bulls seat without another Formula 1 opportunity would be a significant setback.
Ultimately, Lawson’s situation reflects the increasingly difficult balance between performance and potential in modern Formula 1.
He has delivered a season worthy of recognition, yet his future remains dependent on decisions being made elsewhere.
If Racing Bulls retain him, the team would reward a driver who has successfully rebuilt his reputation. If they replace him, Lawson could become one of the most accomplished midfield drivers suddenly searching for a way to remain on the Formula 1 grid.
For now, his message is unmistakable: he wants to keep racing, believes he has done enough to deserve another season, and fears that Red Bull’s prolonged uncertainty may leave him with nowhere else to turn.
