Liam Lawson Racing Bulls contract has been confirmed for the 2026 season, as Racing Bulls chooses to retain the promising driver after a dramatic and unpredictable 2025 journey. Team CEO Peter Bayer shared insights into the decision, highlighting Lawson’s seamless integration and the qualities that made him indispensable to the team’s goals.
Lawson’s Eventful Path to a New Contract
The 2025 season brought numerous challenges and pivotal moments for Liam Lawson and Racing Bulls. After originally starting the year with Red Bull, Lawson’s tenure there was cut short after only two races, prompting his move back to Racing Bulls. His return marked the beginning of both struggle and resilience, as he worked to prove himself within a demanding environment.
Peter Bayer, who leads the Racing Bulls organization, played a central role in evaluating Lawson’s fit for the team’s future endeavors. Recalling a crucial episode that shaped Lawson’s reputation, Bayer stated,
“We knew him from that infamous day at Zandvoort,”
Peter Bayer, Racing Bulls CEO. This moment refers to Lawson’s emergency debut at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, when he stepped in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo. Lawson’s performance under pressure demonstrated qualities needed for Racing Bulls to compete at the top level—adaptability and determination.
Key Moments That Defined Lawson’s Season
The season was far from straightforward. Lawson’s initial outings at Red Bull did not yield the expected results, causing a shift to Racing Bulls where he encountered further adversity. Struggling with a ‘zero points’ streak, it wasn’t until the Monaco Grand Prix that Lawson finally broke through, catalyzing a period in which he scored in seven more races throughout the season.
This competitive journey included times of doubt about his future, with his contract status remaining unresolved until the final week of the campaign. Despite setbacks, Lawson rebuilt his form upon his return, re-acclimating to the Racing Bulls environment. Bayer acknowledged this phase, stating that Lawson came back “a bit shaken” from his Red Bull experience, but the team’s culture—focused on resilience—helped him reintegrate.
“Quickly, and it’s one of the strengths of the team here, everybody knows that these things can happen,”
Peter Bayer, Racing Bulls CEO.
Team Confidence in Overcoming Change
Racing Bulls is recognized for nurturing emerging talent and handling change with level-headedness. Bayer assured the Racing Bulls fanbase that the addition, return, or reshuffling of drivers does not unsettle the organization.
“No one is panicking, no one is like, ‘Oh my God! A new driver’. For us, it’s always, ‘Okay, good. Let’s go and find Liam’s seat and put him back in’,”
Peter Bayer, Racing Bulls CEO. This steady approach has seen the team weather the challenges that define the heights of Formula 1 competition.
Performance Review and Room for Growth
While the season included moments of struggle, Lawson also delivered notable highs—occasionally outperforming teammate Isack Hadjar. Bayer acknowledged that Lawson must continue to develop, particularly in qualifying, but praised the driver’s relentless work ethic and commitment.
“Honestly, he did everything right [last year],”
Peter Bayer, Racing Bulls CEO.
The Road Ahead for Lawson and Racing Bulls
Lawson’s re-signing sets the stage for Racing Bulls’ ambitions in 2026. With improved morale and stability, both the team and fans are optimistic about what lies ahead. The energy within the organization, shaped by lessons from the past season and confidence in Lawson’s abilities, hints at an exciting challenge for rivals such as Red Bull and established drivers like Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
As the countdown begins toward the new season, the F1 paddock and fans alike will watch closely to see if Liam Lawson and Racing Bulls can capitalize on this renewed partnership. The coming campaign promises high-stakes racing and the chance for Lawson to solidify his place among the sport’s most promising talents.
