Liam Lawson finished seventh in the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, a result adjusted after a post-race penalty for Charles Leclerc. The McLaren driver Lando Norris secured victory at Interlagos, with Max Verstappen second and Isack Hadjar completing the podium for Red Bull.
Lawson’s performance in Brazil, where he started third and ran as high as second, has intensified discussions regarding his Formula 1 future. He is currently hoping to secure a race seat with Racing Bulls for the 2027 season.
Following the Sao Paulo event, Lawson acknowledged the public support he has received. He stated his preference for this backing to originate from within a team structure.
Lawson has demonstrated consistent form throughout the 2026 season, scoring points in 15 of 20 races. This includes three appearances for Red Bull Racing, filling in for the injured Isack Hadjar.
Hadjar sustained a wrist injury during boxing training over the summer break, forcing him to miss the Dutch, Italian, and Spanish Grands Prix. Liam Lawson was promoted to Red Bull Racing, with Yuki Tsunoda taking Lawson’s seat at Racing Bulls.
Racing Bulls remains the sole team yet to confirm its driver lineup for 2027. The decision involves three contenders for two seats: current drivers Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad, alongside Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov.
Arvid Lindblad, the only rookie on the 2026 grid, is widely expected to be retained by Racing Bulls. He has accumulated 38 points this season.
Nikola Tsolov, a 19-year-old Bulgarian, is currently second in the 2026 Formula 2 Championship. He made his Formula 1 Free Practice 1 debut in Mexico City on October 30, finishing 12th fastest.
An Instagram post by Lindblad, which initially appeared to confirm Tsolov as his 2027 teammate, was quickly edited. Lindblad clarified the post referred to their shared FP1 session in Mexico.
Racing Bulls Team Principal Alan Permane has indicated the team is employing a ‘scientific approach’ to its 2027 driver selection. He stated this process requires time for thorough analysis.
Permane, whose contract with Racing Bulls was recently extended until 2031, acknowledged the frustration surrounding the delay. He maintained confidence that the correct decision would be made.
Lawson currently sits ninth in the 2026 drivers’ championship with 89 points, leading all drivers outside the top four teams. 14 of these points were earned during his stint with Red Bull Racing.
Pundits have weighed in on Lawson’s situation. Sky Sports F1 broadcaster Ted Kravitz questioned the delay, suggesting Racing Bulls should retain Lawson.
Martin Brundle, a former F1 driver, expressed his belief that Lawson has performed sufficiently to secure a place on the Formula 1 grid, even if not with Racing Bulls.
An official announcement regarding Racing Bulls’ 2027 driver lineup is anticipated before the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, scheduled for November 22.
