Has Liam Lawson Done Enough for a 2027 F1 Seat?

Liam Lawson has quietly put together one of the most impressive midfield campaigns of the 2026 season, and now he's knocking on the door of a full-time Red Bull seat.

The New Zealander sits ninth in the standings with 59 points, contributing the lion's share of Racing Bulls' tally as they hold fifth in the constructors' championship. With 10 top-10 finishes from 14 grands prix and just a single retirement, consistency has been the hallmark of his year.

Why it matters:

Red Bull faces a genuine dilemma. Lawson has proven himself a reliable, points-scoring asset, but the team has options elsewhere. F2 championship leader Nikola Tsolov, with six wins and 177 points, is knocking on the door. Does Lawson deserve to be retained, or is it time to hand the keys to the next generation?

The details:

• Lawson's form earned him a call-up to Red Bull Racing as a substitute for the injured Isack Hadjar.
• Across three outings, he delivered a P6 in Madrid and a P7 at Zandvoort, further strengthening his case within the organisation.
• With 2027 line-ups now firmly on the agenda, Red Bull's decision will have long-term implications.
• Tsolov's impressive F2 campaign makes him a strong contender for promotion.

What's next:

The coming months will be crucial for both drivers. Red Bull must weigh Lawson's proven F1 performance against Tsolov's potential. If Lawson's consistency continues, he may have done enough to secure a seat — but the team's history of promoting young talent suggests the competition is far from over.