Liam Lawson’s performance at the recent Sao Paulo Grand Prix has amplified discussions surrounding his 2027 Formula 1 seat with Racing Bulls. The team has yet to confirm its driver line-up for the upcoming season. Lawson is currently contending with Formula 2 championship runner-up Nikola Tsolov for the position.
Lawson delivered a strong performance in Brazil, qualifying fifth and starting third after grid penalties for other drivers. He moved into second place on the opening lap following an error by Lando Norris. Lawson ultimately finished seventh, engaging in a late-race battle with Charles Leclerc, who received a penalty for a collision between the two.
This result follows a notable drive in Mexico, where Lawson finished seventh despite starting from the back of the grid. This marked his fourth consecutive points finish.
The Mexico City Grand Prix weekend also saw an incident during Free Practice 2, where Lawson and Max Verstappen received one-place grid penalties for a collision. Stewards deemed their actions ‘unacceptable’ given prior warnings. Verstappen publicly criticised Lawson’s conduct, stating it was ‘not very smart behaviour’ when a driver is competing for a seat.
Nikola Tsolov, a 19-year-old Bulgarian Red Bull junior, is a primary candidate for the Racing Bulls seat. He currently holds second position in the 2026 Formula 2 championship standings with 200 points. Tsolov is 37 points ahead of Gabriele Minì, who is in fourth place. A top-five finish in F2 would secure him the necessary superlicence points for Formula 1.
Tsolov also made his Formula 1 practice debut in Mexico City, reportedly impressing key figures within the Red Bull organisation.
The Racing Bulls team’s driver decision is influenced by its role as Red Bull’s junior squad, tasked with preparing young drivers for the senior team.
Racing Bulls Team Principal Alan Permane recently signed a long-term contract extension, securing his position until the end of 2031. Permane was promoted to Team Principal in July 2025, following Laurent Mekies’ move to Red Bull Racing.
Mekies was appointed CEO and Team Principal of Red Bull Racing on July 9, 2025, replacing Christian Horner, who was dismissed after 20 years in the role. Mekies also extended his contract with Red Bull through 2031 on October 14, 2026.
Dr. Helmut Marko, a long-standing motorsport advisor and head of the Red Bull Junior Programme, departed Red Bull at the end of 2025. His exit marked a significant shift in the Red Bull power structure.
Racing Bulls’ current driver line-up for the 2026 season includes Lawson and British rookie Arvid Lindblad. Lindblad has accumulated 38 career points across 19 Grands Prix, with a best finish of sixth. Together, Lawson and Lindblad have secured 114 points for Racing Bulls this season.
Isack Hadjar, who replaced Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull Racing for the 2026 season, has secured three podiums this year, including a third-place finish at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Hadjar has also received a contract extension for 2027.
Racing Bulls is expected to announce its 2027 driver decision before the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The event is scheduled to take place from November 19-21, 2026.
‘If Liam Lawson gets sacked, it would be one of the most unjust in Formula 1,’ stated Sky Sports F1’s Karun Chandhok. ‘He’s done a fantastic job this season.’
Martin Brundle noted that driver decisions often involve factors beyond immediate performance, including commercial and political considerations. He acknowledged Lawson’s ‘tremendous job’ for the team.
