Liam Lawson Eyes 2027 Seat After Red Bull Senior Team Stint

Liam Lawson remains in a state of limbo regarding his 2027 F1 seat, despite a strong recovery in form throughout the current campaign. Having stepped up to the senior Red Bull squad earlier this year, the New Zealander is banking on his ability to adapt quickly to top-tier machinery to prove his long-term value to the organization.

Why it matters:

Stability is a rare commodity within the Red Bull driver ecosystem. For Lawson, demonstrating that he can handle the pressure of the senior team—especially after a rocky start to 2025—is the only way to ward off the constant stream of junior talent eyeing a spot on the grid.

The Details:

• Senior Team Experience: Lawson filled in for the injured Isack Hadjar at Zandvoort, Monza, and Madrid, showing a notable performance leap compared to the difficult period he faced at the beginning of 2025.
• Internal Competition: His path to 2027 is not guaranteed, as Formula 2 championship contender Nikola Tsolov is currently viewed as a viable alternative for the Racing Bulls seat.
• Current Form: Lawson has established himself as a consistent points-scorer this season, accumulating 65 points over the first 16 rounds.

The Big Picture:

The battle for the midfield is intensifying. For Racing Bulls, the immediate objective is securing P5 in the constructors' championship by outperforming Alpine. Lawson views this collective team success as a critical component of his personal value proposition, believing that helping the team beat Alpine will strengthen his case for a permanent role.

What's next:

As the 2026 season winds down, Red Bull management must weigh the proven reliability of Lawson against the raw potential of Tsolov. The final rounds of the year will likely be the deciding factor in whether Lawson secures a long-term future in the paddock or remains a 'super sub' for the organization.