Lawson Questions What More He Can Do to Secure Racing Bulls Seat

Liam Lawson says he has done all he can to make his case for a place at Racing Bulls, with his future still undecided as the team weighs its options for 2027.

The New Zealander has scored three seventh-place finishes this season, in Bahrain, Singapore and Mexico. Asked whether those results should be enough to keep his seat, Lawson said he could only continue to perform at his best each weekend. He believes the team is having a strong campaign and is gaining ground on Alpine in the fight between the two teams.

Three candidates remain in contention for two seats

Team principal Alan Permane has identified Lawson, current team-mate Arvid Lindblad and Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov as candidates for Racing Bulls’ two 2027 seats. The team has not confirmed its line-up.

Tsolov made his first FP1 appearance at the Mexico City Grand Prix, finishing 12th, 0.126 seconds behind Lindblad. That development has added to the uncertainty around Lawson’s position. The discussion has also centred on the Racing Bulls partnership between Lindblad and Lawson, while Tsolov’s place in the seat conversation remains under scrutiny.

Lawson is ninth in the drivers’ standings with 83 points, 42 clear of his nearest rival, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly. His results have helped Racing Bulls establish a strong hold on fifth in the constructors’ championship. The source article notes that a fifth-place finish would be the team’s best result, including its history as Minardi.

Mexico recovery underlined Lawson’s confidence

Lawson was disqualified from qualifying in Mexico City and had to start from the pit lane, but recovered to finish seventh. He described his performance level there as consistent with his season overall, saying the car had been quick across the weekend and that its race pace allowed him to make progress.

He considers this campaign stronger than his previous F1 stints and said he has not dwelt much on the uncertainty. But with the season nearing its end and many teams already having announced their 2027 drivers, Lawson acknowledged that a late decision could leave limited alternatives. A reserve role could be one route to remain in F1 if Racing Bulls replaces him.

For now, Lawson’s focus is on racing. He expects the car to be competitive at the São Paulo Grand Prix, a circuit he enjoys, while identifying the weekend’s weather as the main unknown.