Liam Lawson is currently competing for Oracle Red Bull Racing at the Spanish Grand Prix, deputising for the injured Isack Hadjar. This marks Lawson’s third consecutive race with the senior Red Bull team, having also driven at the Dutch and Italian Grand Prix events. His regular seat for the 2026 Formula 1 season is with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.
Lawson’s journey through the Red Bull system has been extensive. He made his Formula 1 debut in 2023, stepping in for an injured Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri, the predecessor to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls. During his five Grand Prix appearances, he notably secured points at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Reports indicate Lawson was considered among a broad pool of candidates for various Red Bull-affiliated F1 opportunities over time. The Red Bull Junior Team is renowned for its rigorous talent scouting and competitive internal selection process. This system has evaluated numerous drivers for roles across both Red Bull Racing and its sister team.
The confirmed driver lineup for Oracle Red Bull Racing in 2026 features Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. Hadjar was promoted after an impressive rookie season with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls in 2025, which included a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix. Yuki Tsunoda transitioned to a Red Bull Test and Reserve Driver role for 2026.
Lawson’s current stint with Red Bull Racing comes as Hadjar recovers from a wrist injury sustained during the summer break. While deputising, Lawson secured a seventh-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix. He also competed at Monza, where he started from the back of the grid due to power unit component changes.
For the 2026 season, Lawson is partnered with rookie Arvid Lindblad at Visa Cash App Racing Bulls. Lindblad is the latest graduate from the Red Bull Junior Programme to reach Formula 1. This pairing reflects Red Bull’s ongoing commitment to developing young talent within its two-team structure.
Despite his current high-profile role with Red Bull Racing, Lawson’s long-term future beyond 2026 remains uncertain. He has indicated a lack of clarity regarding a potential 2027 F1 seat. The competitive environment within the Red Bull driver pool means consistent performance is crucial for securing a permanent top-tier position.
The Red Bull organisation continues to manage a deep roster of aspiring drivers. Other talents, such as Nikola Tsolov, who leads the Formula 2 standings, are also being closely monitored for future opportunities. This constant evaluation underscores the demanding pathway to a sustained Formula 1 career within the Red Bull family.
