Liam Lawson’s Formula 1 career may be heading towards a remarkable turnaround after reports emerged that the Racing Bulls driver once believed his time in the championship was coming to an end. The New Zealander, who entered the 2026 season under considerable pressure following his difficult spell at Red Bull, has reportedly transformed his prospects through a series of impressive performances in the midfield.
According to F1 Insider journalist Ralf Bach, Lawson had become so uncertain about his future that he told friends outside Formula 1 he was considering other racing categories. At the time, the prospect of securing another season in F1 appeared far from guaranteed. However, his recent performances have reportedly changed the situation considerably, with a contract extension at Racing Bulls now looking increasingly likely.
LAWSON REPORTEDLY CONSIDERED LIFE OUTSIDE FORMULA 1
Lawson’s journey through the Red Bull system has been far from straightforward. After being promoted to the senior team, he struggled to establish himself before being demoted back to Racing Bulls, leaving his long-term future in doubt.
The move placed him under intense scrutiny. Red Bull has traditionally demanded immediate results from its drivers, and Lawson’s early difficulties created questions about whether he could remain competitive at the highest level.
Bach reported that Lawson had spoken to racing acquaintances about pursuing opportunities outside Formula 1, suggesting that he had begun preparing for the possibility of life beyond the championship.
“I even heard that a few weeks or months ago, he told some racing friends – people outside of Formula 1 – that he had already written off F1 and wanted to pursue other racing series,” Bach said.
The journalist added that Lawson’s outlook appeared to have changed completely, highlighting the resilience required to recover from such a difficult period.
For a driver whose career had looked increasingly uncertain, the reported change in circumstances represents a significant development.
RACING BULLS PERFORMANCES HAVE CHANGED THE NARRATIVE
Lawson’s results in 2026 have helped strengthen his position within the Red Bull junior team. His ninth-place finish at the United States Grand Prix in Austin took his season total to 77 points, according to the supplied report.
That result added to the growing argument that Lawson has become one of the midfield’s strongest performers. Rather than allowing the disappointment of his Red Bull demotion to derail his season, he has continued to deliver points and demonstrate that he can compete consistently.
Bach praised Lawson’s ability to perform under pressure, describing his resilience as particularly significant given the circumstances surrounding his future.
The improvement matters because Formula 1 teams assess more than a driver’s raw speed. Consistency, race management, adaptability and the ability to respond to setbacks all influence decisions about contract renewals.
Lawson’s performances have given Racing Bulls more reasons to retain him, while also potentially improving his reputation among rival teams searching for experienced drivers.
HAS LAWSON DONE ENOUGH TO SECURE HIS 2027 SEAT?
Racing Bulls has not officially confirmed Lawson’s place on its 2027 grid, meaning his future remains unresolved. Nevertheless, Bach believes the available indications point towards the New Zealander keeping his seat.
A new contract would represent an important milestone for Lawson after the uncertainty surrounding his demotion from Red Bull. It would also give him an opportunity to build on his progress rather than having to start again with another team or search for a position elsewhere.
However, the final decision will depend on Racing Bulls’ wider driver plans, the availability of alternatives and Red Bull’s assessment of its young-driver programme.
Lawson is also understood to be viewed as a possible medium-term option rather than a guaranteed future Red Bull race driver. That distinction could influence how he approaches the next phase of his career.
For now, securing a stable place on the grid would be a valuable achievement in itself. After reportedly contemplating an exit from Formula 1, the prospect of continuing with Racing Bulls would give him a platform to demonstrate that his recent performances are sustainable.
NIKOLA TSOLOV MAY HAVE TO WAIT LONGER FOR HIS F1 DEBUT
Lawson’s improving position could have consequences for Red Bull’s other young talents, particularly Nikola Tsolov, who is pursuing success in Formula 2.
If Racing Bulls retains Lawson for 2027, opportunities for another prospect to move into Formula 1 could become more limited. The timing of any promotion would depend on the team’s available seats and the performance of its existing drivers.
Tsolov’s development remains important to Red Bull’s long-term plans, but there is no guarantee that an impressive junior career will immediately translate into an F1 opportunity. With Lawson potentially strengthening his claim to a seat, the Bulgarian prospect may have to wait until 2028 or later for a realistic opening.
That possibility illustrates the difficult balance facing junior drivers. They must deliver results in the feeder categories while also waiting for vacancies to emerge at the right time.
For Lawson, meanwhile, every strong result makes it harder for the team to overlook his progress.
LAWSON COULD ATTRACT INTEREST FROM RIVAL FORMULA 1 TEAMS
The reported improvement in Lawson’s standing could also have implications beyond Racing Bulls. He has recently been linked with Cadillac, although a move to the American outfit is not considered the most likely outcome in the supplied report.
Even so, being mentioned in connection with another team suggests that Lawson’s performances may be attracting greater attention across the paddock.
Formula 1’s driver market can change quickly, particularly when teams evaluate their options for upcoming seasons. A driver who appears close to losing his place can regain value through consistent results, especially when he demonstrates that he can recover from setbacks and deliver under pressure.
Lawson may still need to prove himself over a longer period before becoming a serious candidate for a senior-team seat again. His immediate priority, however, is to maintain the form that has improved his prospects at Racing Bulls.
FROM FEARING THE END TO FIGHTING FOR HIS FUTURE
Lawson’s reported doubts about his Formula 1 future make his recent progress particularly striking. A driver who may once have been preparing to pursue opportunities elsewhere now appears to have a realistic chance of extending his time on the grid.
His story also highlights the unforgiving nature of Formula 1, where a difficult spell can threaten a career but strong performances can quickly change perceptions.
Nothing has been officially confirmed regarding Lawson’s 2027 contract, and he will need to maintain his current level to strengthen his position further. Nevertheless, the evidence presented in the report suggests that he has given Racing Bulls compelling reasons to consider retaining him.
If he secures the extension, it would be a significant personal victory for the New Zealander. More importantly, it would give him another opportunity to establish himself as a dependable Formula 1 driver after a period when his future appeared increasingly uncertain.
