Liam Lawson hasn’t locked in his Formula 1 plans beyond 2025. He’s part of Red Bull’s broader system, but no contract guarantees exist yet. His teammate Isack Hadjar is considered for a possible promotion, and rumors suggest Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad could step up next year. Talks have also reportedly included McLaren junior Alex Dunne. With many options in play, Lawson’s future is still unsettled. He’s clear that staying with Red Bull is a priority, but the path isn’t set. The next few races and discussions with team management are expected to clarify his position.
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Lawson’s best performance to date
Lawson impressed in Azerbaijan, finishing fifth ahead of Yuki Tsunoda in a Red Bull Racing car. This was his personal best in Formula 1 so far. The performance strengthens his case within the Red Bull system. For Lawson, the goal isn’t tied to a single team, it’s about reaching the top of the sport. While he values Red Bull opportunities, he also recognizes that drivers like Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, and Carlos Sainz have found success outside Red Bull. Lawson’s focus is on winning races and building a competitive F1 career, whether inside or outside the Red Bull umbrella.
How the 2026 Driver market is shaping up
The driver market for 2026 is largely settled. Most seats are either contracted or close to final deals. Lawson sees limited openings outside Red Bull, which makes securing his spot a priority. He emphasizes that while staying in Formula 1 is crucial, the ultimate aim is to compete for victories. The market conditions force him to weigh options carefully. Conversations with Red Bull dominate his current planning, though he remains aware that few teams can offer competitive seats next season. Understanding the broader market helps Lawson make strategic decisions about his next step in F1.
Does Lawson have any flexibility?
Lawson stresses that his career focus has evolved. Early in his F1 journey, reaching Red Bull Racing was the ultimate goal. Now, he’s more concerned with achieving success at the top level. This flexibility means he’s open to options beyond Red Bull if it helps him win. He remains realistic about the situation: most other teams have secured drivers for 2026. Still, Lawson is prepared to consider alternatives that align with his ambitions. His approach reflects a shift from chasing a single seat to prioritizing competitive potential and long-term career growth in Formula 1.
Lawson currently sits 13th in the drivers’ standings, nine points behind teammate Isack Hadjar. Securing a seat for 2026 is urgent, and Red Bull discussions are ongoing. Lawson expects clarity over the coming races as negotiations progress. While the focus is on staying within the Red Bull system, he’s aware that decisions need to be timely given the nearly finalized grid for next year. This period is critical for Lawson to confirm his place and plan his next steps effectively, balancing loyalty to Red Bull with opportunities that could advance his F1 career.
