F1 Fans Back Liam Lawson for 2026 Breakthrough

After a difficult 2025 season that saw him demoted from the Red Bull senior team, Liam Lawson has received a significant vote of confidence from F1 fans. A recent poll indicates that nearly 40% of respondents believe the New Zealander will make the biggest performance leap in his sophomore season in 2026. This backing places him ahead of highly-touted rookie Kimi Antonelli, signaling strong fan belief in his potential to rebound.

Why it matters:

Lawson's 2025 was a rollercoaster, dropping from the top team to Racing Bulls, a move that ultimately may have saved his F1 career as his replacement, Yuki Tsunoda, is now on the sidelines. This overwhelming fan support represents a powerful narrative of redemption and highlights the belief that he can convert a second chance into a top-tier performance, silencing doubts about his F1 future.

The details:

• Fan Poll Results: In a poll by RacingNews365, Lawson secured 39.79% of the vote for the driver expected to make the biggest sophomore leap.
• Beating the Competition: He comfortably outpaced Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli, who received 31.58% of the vote.
• 2026 Challenge: Lawson will partner rookie Arvid Lindblad at the Faenza-based squad, where he'll need to prove his consistency and leadership after a turbulent 2025.
  • Full Poll Standings:
    • Liam Lawson: 39.79%
    • Kimi Antonelli: 31.58%
    • Isack Hadjar: 14.95%
    • Oliver Bearman: 9.26%
    • Gabriel Bortoleto: 3.37%
    • Franco Colapinto: 1.05%

Looking Ahead:

While fan polls don't translate to grid positions, they provide a significant morale boost and underscore the high expectations placed on Lawson. The 2026 season presents a clear opportunity for him to validate this confidence, establish himself as a team leader at Racing Bulls, and potentially force his way back into Red Bull's long-term plans. His performance will be one of the most closely watched storylines of the year.