Liam Lawson's Formula 1 Future Hangs by a Thread: What He Must Achieve to Secure His Seat with Racing Bulls
As the roaring engines of the Formula 1 season gear up for another adrenaline-fueled year, Liam Lawson finds himself at a critical crossroads in his racing career. The talented Kiwi driver must confront his inconsistencies head-on to solidify his position with the Racing Bulls for yet another season, warns team principal Alan Permane.
After an eventful 2025 championship where Lawson participated in nearly all 24 races with the Faenza-based team, his journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Once a promising talent, he was abruptly sidelined by Red Bull after just two races, only to be reinstated with Racing Bulls. Though he dazzled fans with flashes of brilliance throughout 2023 and 2024, his struggles with the RB21 ultimately led to a demotion back to Red Bull's satellite team.
This year, Lawson faces fierce competition from rookie teammate Isack Hadjar, who has also made waves in the racing world. Despite this, Lawson showcased remarkable performances during the last campaign, playing a pivotal role in Racing Bulls clinching sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship. His impressive displays have earned him another chance to prove himself, this time alongside a new rookie, Arvid Lindblad, while Hadjar has advanced to the main Red Bull team.
However, Permane made it clear in an enlightening interview that the stakes are higher than ever for Lawson, who celebrates his 24th birthday today. “I want him to deliver so that we think, ‘Wow, we’ve got to hang on to this guy. He’s really good,’” he stated emphatically.
The key to Lawson’s longevity in Formula 1 lies in his ability to eradicate inconsistency. Permane emphasized that if Lawson can eliminate his inexplicable poor performances, his potential will truly shine. “Sometimes inexplicably, he will go out and Q1, and he doesn’t understand it,” he explained. “The good stuff is good, it’s there. And just to eliminate the poor, unexplained results that sometimes come. I think once you can do that, the rest will start snowballing and improve.”
The pressure is palpable as Lawson prepares for the upcoming season. The path to success is fraught with challenges, but the rewards are immense. If he can harness his speed and talent while overcoming inconsistency, he may yet secure his place as a formidable force in the world of Formula 1 racing. The clock is ticking, and fans are eagerly watching to see if Lawson can rise to the occasion and prove he deserves to remain with Racing Bulls. The stakes have never been higher, and the world of motorsport waits with bated breath.
