Liam Lawson is set to compete in his first full season with Racing Bulls in 2026, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty that has marked his career. Having begun as a stand-in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo in 2023 before becoming a permanent replacement the following year, Lawson’s journey has lacked stability.
After a brief, challenging stint with Red Bull across two races, he finally found a more consistent role with Racing Bulls. In 2025, Lawson managed to accumulate 38 points, finishing 14th in the drivers’ championship, showing promise but leaving questions about his long-term position.
Concerns Over Lawson’s Frequent Crashes and Race Retirements
Lawson’s future with Racing Bulls beyond 2026 remains uncertain despite retaining his seat over Yuki Tsunoda. Last year, Lawson was edged out by newcomer Isack Hadjar, and he now faces competition from rising talent Arvid Lindblad to secure his place.
His reputation for frequent crashes and inconsistent performances has raised doubts. In the 2025 season, Lawson retired from five races, with four retirements caused by collisions or damage. Additionally, he finished 14th or lower in six out of 22 starts, calling into question his ability to deliver steady results.
Team Principal Alan Permane Sets Clear Expectations for Lawson’s Improvement
Alan Permane, Racing Bulls’ team principal, conveyed his reservations toward Lawson’s long-term retention during a conversation with GPBlog. Permane stressed that it is not guaranteed Lawson will be part of the team in 2027 without marked improvement.
“What I would like from him is I would like to get him to the stage where we want to keep him here,”
Permane explained. He wants Lawson to produce consistently high-quality performances that make it impossible to consider dropping him.
“The good stuff is good, it’s there. And just to eliminate the poor, unexplained results that sometimes come,”
he added.
Permane believes Lawson’s development hinges on removing these inconsistent performances, suggesting that once achieved, progress in other areas will follow naturally.
Racing Bulls Intend to Use Constructive Criticism as Motivation for Lawson
Permane’s candid assessment is unusual for a Racing Bulls leader, as the team often employs a patient approach with young drivers. However, since Permane assumed his role last summer, his strategy for Lawson appears more direct and demanding.
He described Lawson’s “down days” as baffling and seems to believe that tougher feedback may drive the 23-year-old to elevate his performance. This approach contrasts with the traditional nurturing style associated with Racing Bulls and its senior Red Bull management.
Meanwhile, former F1 driver David Coulthard has hinted that Lawson might eventually exit the Red Bull organization if he can attract attention through strong results elsewhere. Permane views such interest positively, as it would reflect Lawson’s appeal to other teams and potentially benefit all parties involved.
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