Liam Lawson’s future in Formula 1 remains uncertain despite an impressive 2026 season with Racing Bulls, with Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies insisting that the decision over the New Zealander’s 2027 seat rests entirely with the Faenza-based team. The 24-year-old has accumulated 89 points across 20 Grands Prix this year, helping Racing Bulls establish itself as the fifth-strongest team behind Formula 1’s leading four constructors.
However, even that impressive points tally may not be enough to guarantee Liam Lawson another season in Formula 1. Racing Bulls is considering the possibility of replacing its number 30 driver with Nikola Tsolov, leaving the New Zealander’s future unresolved despite the progress he has demonstrated throughout the championship.
Laurent Mekies insists Racing Bulls must decide Liam Lawson’s F1 future
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has addressed the uncertainty surrounding Liam Lawson’s future, making it clear that responsibility for choosing Racing Bulls’ driver line-up belongs to the Italian team. Despite the close partnership between the two organisations, the Frenchman insisted that he would not determine who should partner Arvid Lindblad next season.
“Who has to decide Lawson’s future? The responsibility lies entirely with Racing Bulls. I think questions about the current situation should be directed at them,” Laurent Mekies explained.
The Red Bull boss nevertheless acknowledged the importance of the shared junior driver programme, which allows promising drivers to progress from Racing Bulls to the senior team. He pointed to Max Verstappen’s Red Bull career and Isack Hadjar as examples of drivers who have followed that development pathway.
“Yes, we have a shared junior programme. This programme allows the best Racing Bulls drivers to move up to Red Bull, as happened with Verstappen and Hadjar. Whether someone can begin that journey in Formula 1 is for them to decide.”
Laurent Mekies praises Liam Lawson’s Brazilian GP performance
Although Laurent Mekies refused to become involved in the decision over Liam Lawson’s future, he had no hesitation in praising the New Zealander’s recent performances. The Red Bull team principal highlighted his strong showing at the Brazilian Grand Prix and the improvement he has demonstrated since returning to Racing Bulls.
“What do I think of Lawson? I believe he did an excellent job in Brazil as well, and I congratulate him on the race he drove. After competing in three races with us, he returned to Racing Bulls and raised his performance level even further,” Laurent Mekies said.
The comments represent a positive assessment of Liam Lawson’s development, particularly given the difficult circumstances surrounding his earlier spell with Red Bull. However, Laurent Mekies stopped short of suggesting that those performances would guarantee the driver a place on the 2027 grid.
Racing Bulls must now weigh Liam Lawson’s experience and results against the possibility of introducing Nikola Tsolov. The team’s position within the Red Bull development structure makes that decision especially significant, with opportunities for younger drivers also forming part of the organisation’s long-term approach.
Laurent Mekies reveals discussions with Alan Permane over 2027 driver decision
Laurent Mekies also confirmed that he had spoken with Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane about Liam Lawson’s future. However, he was keen to distinguish between exchanging opinions during a routine conversation and having direct responsibility for the eventual decision.
“We’ve spoken, but there’s a big difference between expressing an opinion and having a routine conversation. Don’t ask me what I think, I’ve spent three minutes telling you that it’s up to them to decide,” Laurent Mekies joked.
The Frenchman went on to express his confidence in Alan Permane and the Racing Bulls management team, emphasising that they have the information needed to evaluate their options properly.
“Alan is an extraordinary guy. He understands many things better than others. Racing Bulls has all the data available to make the right decision.”
For Liam Lawson, the uncertainty continues despite a campaign that has strengthened his reputation and helped Racing Bulls maintain fifth place in the constructors’ championship. His 89-point total illustrates the contribution he has made, but the possibility of Nikola Tsolov stepping into the team means his seat remains far from guaranteed.
With the 2026 Formula 1 season approaching its conclusion, attention will now turn to Racing Bulls and its decision over the 2027 driver line-up. For the moment, Laurent Mekies has made his position clear: the final call belongs to Alan Permane and the Faenza-based team, with Liam Lawson expected to learn his fate in the coming weeks.
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