Liam Lawson has addressed his Racing Bulls future after being overlooked for a return to Red Bull Racing, clarifying that he was not focused on a comeback this season, but rather on re-establishing himself within Racing Bulls. Following Red Bull’s decision earlier this year, Lawson has shared how he came to terms with the change and what lies ahead for him in Formula 1.
Red Bull Changes Course, Lawson Returns to Racing Bulls
At the end of last season, Red Bull announced that Lawson, just 12 races into his Formula 1 tenure, would join Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing for 2025, seemingly leapfrogging Yuki Tsunoda for the coveted drive. However, after just two races in the current season, then-team principal Christian Horner reversed the decision, sending Lawson back to Racing Bulls. Horner cited on-track performance as the reason for this move, stating,
“It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and as a result, we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch,”
Christian Horner, Red Bull Team Principal, and emphasized,
“this is a purely sporting decision”
Christian Horner, Red Bull Team Principal.
The driver shuffle saw Lawson switching places with Tsunoda. Yet, neither managed outstanding results, with Lawson ending on 38 points and Tsunoda securing 33, of which only 30 came while with Red Bull. The final decision for the F1 2026 line-up preferred rookie Isack Hadjar, who had accumulated 51 points and achieved a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, positioning him as Verstappen’s next teammate at Red Bull.
Lawson’s Outlook on Red Bull Prospects and Racing Bulls Commitment
Throughout this period of uncertainty, Lawson maintained that a return to Red Bull was not something at the forefront of his thinking.
“It’s not, honestly, something I really thought about this year, especially with how when I came back [to Racing Bulls] it was a very tricky few races,”
Liam Lawson shared.
Lawson explained that his priority was adapting to Racing Bulls after missing crucial early pre-season development and focusing on his own performance with the team’s evolving car setup.
“So it’s honestly not something I really thought about.”
Liam Lawson said, underlining his determination to focus on present challenges rather than speculation about Red Bull.
Stability Secured for 2026 Season
While the uncertainty surrounding his F1 future lasted into late last season, Lawson heads into the final race of the current championship with the assurance that his seat at Racing Bulls is secure for 2026. He will race alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad next year. Lawson revealed that he was informed of this decision by Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane following the recent race in Qatar.
“After the race in Qatar, actually,”
Liam Lawson recounted how he received the news.
Lawson admitted he experienced pressure due to not knowing his future before the season’s end, a situation similar to the previous year when he only learned of his fate in mid-December. Reflecting on how this uncertainty has become familiar, he said,
“I mean, it’s always difficult, but it’s not new, honestly, it’s how I felt last year. It’s how I felt as a reserve trying to get my first opportunity in Formula 1. It’s, I think, how you feel in Formula 1 until you really establish [yourself].”
Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Driver.
What Lies Ahead for Lawson and Racing Bulls
Now looking ahead to 2026, Lawson has the opportunity to further solidify his place in Formula 1 with Racing Bulls, away from the speculation of a Red Bull Racing return. The competitive grid for 2026 already includes established names like Lewis Hamilton and new talents such as Arvid Lindblad who will join Lawson. Isack Hadjar has claimed a sought-after spot alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull, while Yuki Tsunoda’s journey continues following his own reshuffling.
For Liam Lawson, the focus remains on maximizing his performance with Racing Bulls and continuing to earn his place on the grid amid intense competition and frequent changes in team line-ups. With key figures like team principal Alan Permane supporting his growth and a stable seat confirmed, Lawson enters the next season prepared to tackle both the pressures and possibilities of life in Formula 1.
