Lawson earns major Red Bull praise as Racing Bulls decision looms

Liam Lawson has given Red Bull plenty to think about with his recent substitute performances, scoring points in two of three races and earning praise from Racing Bulls chief Laurent Mekies.

Why it matters:

Lawson's situation is a key subplot in Red Bull's driver programme. With Isack Hadjar sidelined, Lawson has shown a different side to the driver dropped after two races in 2025. The fight for a Racing Bulls seat in 2027 is far from settled.

The details:

• Lawson replaced the injured Hadjar from the Dutch GP, finishing seventh at Zandvoort and sixth at the Madring, with a points-less Monza after pit-lane start and front-wing damage.
• Mekies said Lawson has done "a very good job" and that his approach has been "very, very, very strong."
• "We all know how difficult it is to jump to a different team, to a different car," Mekies added. "He has taken some very important points."
• Mekies noted the "very different pictures" compared to Lawson's first races in 2025.
• Despite the praise, Lawson's 2027 seat is not guaranteed, with Arvid Lindblad and Nikola Tsolov also in contention.

What's next:

Tsolov has impressed in F2 and is seen by Racing Bulls boss Alan Permane as the "next in line" for promotion. But Lawson is making a strong case, with Mekies highlighting his focus. The decision looms, and Lawson's recent form may tip the balance.