Liam Lawson expects Red Bull talks over Racing Bulls future during summer break

Lawson’s future enters the summer-break spotlight

Liam Lawson expects discussions with Red Bull over his Formula 1 future to begin during the summer break, as he continues to make his case for a seat at Racing Bulls in 2027.

The New Zealander has collected 43 points from the opening 11 rounds, a return that strengthens his position amid growing competition within Red Bull’s driver programme. There is currently no indication that Lawson is seeking a move outside the wider Milton Keynes-Faenza operation, with the expected plan being for him to continue alongside Arvid Lindblad next season.

That plan, however, is not yet secure. The emergence of Nikola Tsolov in Formula 2 has given Red Bull another highly rated option, leaving the organisation with three promising drivers competing for two Racing Bulls seats. Tsolov’s position is strengthened by his lead in the F2 drivers’ championship, while Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane has described him as “next in line” and firmly on the team’s “radar” for next season. The Formula 2 title fight remains wide open, adding another layer to the timing of Red Bull’s decision.

Red Bull timing could shift

Red Bull traditionally prefers to wait until the end of the season before finalising its race line-ups. This year, though, uncertainty surrounding Max Verstappen’s future could encourage the six-time constructors’ champions to make decisions earlier.

That would suit Lawson. He has previously made clear that he would prefer clarity sooner rather than later, not only to understand his place within Red Bull’s plans but also to preserve time and options should he ultimately need to find a new seat.

For now, Lawson remains outside the decision-making process. Asked whether resolving his future would be a priority when Formula 1 returns at the end of August, he admitted that he had no information about his prospects.

“Oh, me personally? I actually have no idea,” the Racing Bulls driver told media.

He added: “I think that stuff... that conversation is normally around summer break. So I’m sure there’ll be discussions around that.”

Permane’s confirmation that Red Bull will make a call on Tsolov later in the campaign aligns closely with Lawson’s expectation. The summer shutdown, therefore, could mark the beginning of a decisive phase for a driver whose points tally is giving Racing Bulls a strong reason to retain him.