Liam Lawson’s position at Racing Bulls for the 2027 Formula 1 season remains unconfirmed. This uncertainty follows a recent on-track incident with Max Verstappen during the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix Free Practice 2 session. Analyst Tim Coronel suggests Lawson’s actions in Mexico may indicate he is aware of an impending departure from the team.
The collision occurred on Friday, October 30, 2026, within the stadium section of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Verstappen, on a preparation lap, attempted to overtake Lawson, who was on a cool-down lap. Lawson resisted the move, leading to contact between the two cars.
The incident resulted in damage to both vehicles; Verstappen’s Red Bull sustained floor damage, and Lawson’s Racing Bulls required a front wing change. Debris on the track prompted a brief red flag period during the session.
FIA stewards investigated the clash, deeming both drivers’ behaviour ‘unacceptable’ and ‘clumsy’. Consequently, both Lawson and Verstappen received a one-place grid penalty for the Grand Prix and one super licence penalty point.
Verstappen was critical of Lawson’s judgment, stating that he ‘shouldn’t pick a fight with me’ while his future was under review. The four-time world champion also noted his consistent support for Lawson within the Red Bull organisation.
Lawson later apologised to Verstappen on Saturday, October 31, acknowledging the incident made his Mexico Grand Prix weekend ‘very hard overall.’ He committed to learning from the situation.
Despite the setback, Lawson delivered a strong performance in the Mexico Grand Prix. He started the race from the pit lane after a qualifying disqualification due to a technical infringement related to MGU-K power deployment and power unit component changes. He recovered to finish seventh.
Lawson has accumulated 69 points this season, including 14 points from a substitute stint at Red Bull. This places him significantly ahead of his rookie teammate, Arvid Lindblad, who has 38 points. Racing Bulls currently holds fifth position in the Constructors’ Championship.
The Racing Bulls team is one of two outfits yet to confirm its driver lineup for the 2027 season. Team Principal Alan Permane indicated in mid-October that a decision would be made ‘in the coming weeks,’ highlighting a ‘three-into-two’ driver scenario.
Nikola Tsolov, a Red Bull junior and current Formula 2 title contender, made his official Formula 1 practice debut in Mexico. He drove Lawson’s car during FP1 on Friday, October 30, 2026. Tsolov had previously completed a successful private F1 test at Imola in August 2026.
Tsolov’s FP1 appearance intensified speculation regarding the 2027 Racing Bulls seats. While Spanish media reports of a guaranteed seat for Tsolov were dismissed by Permane, he remains a strong candidate within the Red Bull junior programme.
Arvid Lindblad, the sole rookie on the 2026 grid, has impressed with his performances this season. He is widely expected to be retained by Racing Bulls for the 2027 season.
The final decision from Red Bull regarding the Racing Bulls 2027 driver lineup is pending. It will determine whether Lawson’s current performance is sufficient to secure his seat over emerging talents like Tsolov, or if the team will opt for a new combination.
