Liam Lawson reveals timeline for F1 future decision

Liam Lawson expects his Formula 1 future to be settled within the next few races, with the New Zealander feeling far more secure than he did at the same stage last year. Back at Racing Bulls for this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a three-race spell filling in for the injured Isack Hadjar at Red Bull, Lawson says he is in a better position heading into 2027.

Why it matters:

With Red Bull's 2027 line-up already locked in with Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, Lawson's route back to the senior team is closed for now. That makes his current form with Racing Bulls all the more important: consistent results in the remaining races should be enough to secure his seat and keep his F1 career firmly on track.

The details:

• Lawson told media in Baku that an announcement could come soon, likely within "the next few races."
• The Kiwi is not actively involved in the negotiations, saying discussions are happening in the background while he focuses on scoring points.
• His sixth-place finish in Spain last time out was his best result of the season, and he has now scored points in 10 of 14 grands prix, sitting ninth in the drivers' championship.
• Last year, Lawson had to wait until early December for his Racing Bulls seat to be confirmed after a difficult start to the season. This time, consistency has changed the picture.

Between the lines:

Lawson admitted that his temporary Red Bull spell was a challenge, partly because the car was "quite difficult to drive" and unfamiliar, leaving him "a little bit more vulnerable" during a critical period of the year. But he described the experience as good and says he is now excited to be back with Racing Bulls.

What's next:

With Hadjar now confirmed alongside Verstappen for 2027, Lawson's immediate future lies with Racing Bulls. Strong results over the next few races should formalise what looks increasingly inevitable: a new deal with the team and a clear path into next season.