Liam Lawson Reveals Red Bull's 'Perform' Mandate for F1 Seat

Liam Lawson has revealed the straightforward demand from Red Bull for him and Yuki Tsunoda to secure their Formula 1 seats for next year: "Perform." Both drivers are in a fierce battle for their F1 futures amidst a challenging season for Red Bull's two teams.

Why it matters:

After a brief stint with the main Red Bull team at the start of the season, Lawson was demoted to Racing Bulls. He's now fighting to avoid the sidelines of F1, while Tsunoda also faces uncertainty. Their ability to consistently perform will directly impact their careers within the Red Bull driver pool, a system known for its ruthless competition and high expectations.

The Details:

• Lawson, 23, started the season with the main Red Bull team but was moved to Racing Bulls after just two rounds, with Tsunoda heading in the other direction. This initial move highlights the fluidity and intensity of driver changes within the Red Bull hierarchy.
• Despite a considerably better performance at Racing Bulls, Lawson's future is precarious, especially with Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad waiting in the wings, adding another layer of competition.
• Tsunoda is in a similar position, with his seat at Racing Bulls increasingly rumored to go to Isack Hadjar, Lawson's current teammate. This makes a return to Racing Bulls his most viable path for a full-time drive in 2026.
• The Mandate: When asked about the timeline for a decision on his future, Lawson stated, "In the next few races, hopefully. The message to us is — I'm sure it's the same across all of us — it's: 'perform.'"
• Consistency is Key: Lawson's best result to date was a superb fifth place at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. However, a subsequent miserable weekend at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, marred by two practice crashes and a disappointing P15 finish, underscored the need for consistent results.

Between the lines:

Red Bull's 'perform' mantra for its young drivers is a long-standing policy within their notoriously competitive academy. This direct, unambiguous demand reflects the high-pressure environment where even a single strong result isn't enough; sustained excellence is required to secure a coveted F1 seat. The battle between Lawson, Tsunoda, Lindblad, and Hadjar demonstrates the internal fight for limited opportunities.

What's next:

The decision on the Red Bull junior seats is expected in the "next few races," according to Lawson. This places immense pressure on both Lawson and Tsunoda to deliver strong, consistent performances in the upcoming rounds to prove their worth and secure their spots in Formula 1. The outcome will shape the grid for the coming seasons, potentially introducing new talent while sidelining others.