Could Liam Lawson be out of Formula 1 in 2026? Possible scenarios
Liam Lawson still needs to prove that he deserves confirmation for a seat in Formula 1 for the 2026 season, in a battle that pits past experience against present performance. The New Zealander has everything it takes to secure a spot on the F1 grid, but competition is ruthless. After starting the first two races of the season with Red Bull, he was later relegated to the junior team. Yet, rather than being discouraged, Lawson bounced back and once again showed the talent that had surprised everyone when he first entered the sport.
However, Formula 1 is a sport with a notoriously short memory, and past results are quickly forgotten. This is why, despite his current strong form, Lawson still does not have a contract secured for 2025. Nevertheless, there are strong arguments in his favor, particularly after his impressive performance last weekend when he finished fifth, ahead of Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull.
A battle between past and present
At the moment, it looks like Lawson is in a direct fight with Yuki Tsunoda for the final available seat within the four Red Bull family cars. With the main Red Bull Racing seat seemingly earmarked for Isack Hadjar, Faenza’s team appears to be preparing for a small revolution. One spot looks almost guaranteed for the young Swedish prospect Arvid Lindblad, while the second seat is expected to be a head-to-head contest between Lawson and Tsunoda.
Lawson himself admitted: “I’m hoping for the next few races. Obviously, it’s hard to know for sure. As drivers, the most important thing for us is to stay in Formula 1, so we are focused on securing a seat. Honestly, that’s my main objective right now.”
The New Zealander has also considered stepping away from the Red Bull system to find opportunities elsewhere, but the available options across the grid are extremely limited. “Regarding other teams, I think almost everyone has already decided or at least has a clear idea of what they will do next year.”
At this stage, a Red Bull Racing seat seems nearly impossible, but the chances of staying with the Faenza-based team, formerly known as Toro Rosso, remain higher. Formula 1 may soon witness one of its familiar faces leaving the stage: will it be Yuki Tsunoda or Liam Lawson? The final decision rests in Red Bull’s hands.
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