Red Bull to Decide Liam Lawson's Future After Mexican Grand Prix

Red Bull's motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, has announced that the final decisions on the driver lineups for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls will be made after the Mexican Grand Prix, scheduled for October 25-27. This timeline is critical for Liam Lawson, whose future in Formula 1 hangs in the balance as Red Bull prepares for the sport's new regulations.

Why it matters:

This decision is pivotal for Red Bull's long-term strategy as F1 enters a new regulatory era, with significant implications for driver development and team dynamics. For Liam Lawson, the next two races in Austin and Mexico City are crucial opportunities to solidify his position amidst intense competition from other Red Bull junior drivers, impacting his career trajectory and potentially Red Bull's future performance.

The Details:

• Decision Timeline: Helmut Marko confirmed that driver decisions for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls will be finalized after the Mexican Grand Prix (October 25-27).
• Key Contenders: Liam Lawson is among several drivers under consideration, alongside Yuki Tsunoda and rookie Isack Hadjar.
• Isack Hadjar's Position: Hadjar already holds a contract for 2026, though his placement (Racing Bulls or the senior Red Bull team) is yet to be determined. Marko praised Hadjar's recent performance, stating, "He's achieved incredible things."
• Lawson's Recent Form: Lawson has shown strong momentum since re-joining Racing Bulls, scoring points in four of the last eight races, including a career-best fifth in Azerbaijan.
• Lawson's Approach: Despite the looming decision, Lawson maintains a consistent approach, emphasizing that every race weekend is equally important. He acknowledges the "short memories" in F1 and focuses on maintaining consistency.
• External Factors: Lawson believes his future is "out of his hands" and focuses purely on performance. He expects to learn more as the decision date approaches.
• Other Juniors: Arvid Lindblad, currently seventh in the F2 drivers’ championship, remains a threat, while former McLaren junior Alex Dunne is reportedly not in the mix despite Red Bull's earlier interest.
• Circuit Familiarity: Lawson hopes his experience at several of the upcoming circuits will work in his favor, allowing him to deliver consistent results when it matters most.

Looking Ahead:

Lawson's journey reflects the intense pressure within the Red Bull driver program. While the next two races are vital for his immediate future, his focus remains on maximizing every session and enjoying the challenge. The decision post-Mexico will set the stage for Red Bull's driver lineup as they navigate the complexities of F1's evolving regulations and their ambitious plans for 2026 and beyond.

His long-standing immersion in the Red Bull system has prepared him for this high-stakes environment, where consistent performance is the only currency. If Lawson can maintain his recent form, he stands a strong chance of securing a coveted seat.