Liam Lawson’s hopes of remaining on the Formula 1 grid in 2027 may depend on a crucial decision by Racing Bulls or an unexpected opportunity at Cadillac, with reports suggesting that his management has already made contact with the American team.
Despite delivering several encouraging performances during the 2026 season, the New Zealand driver has yet to receive a clear commitment from Racing Bulls for next year. With the driver market approaching a decisive stage, Lawson’s representatives appear to be exploring alternatives rather than risking a situation in which the 24-year-old is left without a race seat.
According to a report by GiveMeSport citing RacingNews365, Lawson’s management is in touch with Cadillac about the possibility of replacing Valtteri Bottas. However, discussions do not guarantee a deal, and several important questions remain unanswered as the teams assess their options for 2027.
RACING BULLS KEEP LIAM LAWSON WAITING OVER 2027
Lawson’s immediate priority remains securing his place at Racing Bulls, where the team has yet to announce who will partner Arvid Lindblad next season.
The uncertainty is particularly frustrating given Lawson’s performances in 2026. Before the United States Grand Prix, he occupied ninth place in the Drivers’ Championship, putting himself among the strongest performers outside Formula 1’s leading teams.
That position strengthens his argument for another season, especially when consistency and the ability to score valuable points are essential qualities for a midfield team.
Nevertheless, Racing Bulls must balance immediate results with Red Bull’s longer-term development strategy. The report identifies Nikola Tsolov as a potential candidate for the seat, with speculation suggesting that the team could favour a younger driver pairing.
For Lawson, the situation highlights a familiar reality in Formula 1: delivering respectable results does not always guarantee job security. Team priorities, driver-development programmes and the availability of alternatives can all influence decisions.
CADILLAC EMERGES AS A POSSIBLE LIFELINE
Cadillac could offer Lawson another route to remaining in Formula 1 if Racing Bulls decides against retaining him.
The American constructor is assessing its future driver line-up as it continues building its place on the grid. According to the report, Lawson’s management has made contact with the team regarding a potential opportunity involving Bottas.
Such a move would give Lawson a chance to continue his career without having to wait for another opening within the Red Bull system. It could also provide Cadillac with a driver who has accumulated experience across multiple seasons and understands the demands of competing in the midfield.
However, Cadillac reportedly intends to delay its final decision while considering its options. That approach leaves Lawson facing a potentially lengthy period of uncertainty, particularly if Racing Bulls also postpones its announcement.
There is another significant complication: the report states that Bottas already has a contract covering 2027. Any potential change would therefore need to be consistent with the contractual arrangements involved. Contact between Lawson’s representatives and Cadillac should not be interpreted as confirmation that Bottas will lose his seat.
VALTTERI BOTTAS AND SERGIO PEREZ ADD TO THE UNCERTAINTY
The comparison between Bottas and teammate Sergio Perez could become an important part of Cadillac’s evaluation.
According to the report, Bottas has struggled to match Perez’s performances during the 2026 campaign. If the team believes it needs a different combination of experience, speed and future potential, Lawson could become one of the names under consideration.
Still, changing an established driver line-up is not a straightforward decision for a new constructor. Experience, technical feedback, team integration and long-term development all matter alongside race results.
Bottas also brings extensive Formula 1 experience, including years spent competing at the front of the field. Cadillac would need to weigh that background against Lawson’s age, recent progress and potential for further improvement.
Any decision would therefore involve more than comparing their latest results. Cadillac must determine which driver combination gives the team the strongest foundation for its next stage of development.
COLTON HERTA COULD COMPLICATE LAWSON’S CHANCES
Lawson is not the only driver reportedly being considered for a potential Cadillac opportunity.
The report identifies American racing prospect Colton Herta as another candidate. His potential involvement would offer Cadillac the possibility of placing an American driver in one of its seats, an option that could carry commercial and promotional appeal for the US-based team.
However, nationality alone would not settle the decision. Herta would need to be evaluated on his racing credentials, readiness for Formula 1 and ability to adapt to the demands of the championship.
For Lawson, the existence of another candidate means he cannot afford to assume that contact with Cadillac will lead to a contract. The team may explore several possibilities before deciding which driver best fits its competitive and commercial objectives.
The situation also places greater importance on timing. If Cadillac waits until late in the driver-market process, Lawson could find himself with fewer alternatives should Racing Bulls commit to another driver first.
WHY LOSING LAWSON WOULD BE A MAJOR DECISION FOR RACING BULLS
If Lawson is not retained, Racing Bulls would have to weigh the benefits of developing a new prospect against the value of keeping a driver who already has experience in Formula 1.
A young driver can offer considerable long-term potential, but development often requires time, patience and a willingness to accept inconsistent results. An experienced driver, by contrast, can provide immediate feedback and help the team evaluate upgrades and improve its overall performance.
Lawson’s ninth-place position before the United States Grand Prix gives him a strong argument that he can contribute meaningful results. Whether that is enough to secure his future will depend on how Racing Bulls evaluates his season and the alternatives available.
The decision could also influence the wider Red Bull driver programme. Racing Bulls has historically served as a development route for talent that may eventually move to the senior team, making its driver choices important beyond the immediate needs of the junior outfit.
If the team believes Tsolov or another prospect has greater long-term potential, Lawson could be left looking elsewhere despite his recent performances.
LAWSON’S 2027 F1 FUTURE REMAINS UNRESOLVED
With only 22 race seats available on the reported 2027 grid, Lawson’s position illustrates how competitive Formula 1’s driver market can become when teams begin finalising their line-ups.
His performances have strengthened his case for staying, but the lack of a confirmed agreement means his future remains uncertain. Racing Bulls could still offer him a new deal, while Cadillac represents a possible alternative if the necessary conditions are met.
For now, there is no confirmed announcement that Lawson will join Cadillac, and the report does not establish that Bottas will be replaced. Both possibilities remain dependent on decisions that have yet to be finalised.
The coming weeks could prove decisive. If Racing Bulls chooses to retain Lawson, the uncertainty may end without a move elsewhere. If it opts for a different driver, Cadillac could become an important opportunity, provided its own plans and contractual arrangements allow it.
Lawson has given himself a chance through his performances, but his next move may ultimately depend on how two teams balance immediate competitiveness with their long-term ambitions. For a driver who wants to remain on the Formula 1 grid, the margin for error is becoming increasingly small.
