Report: What people ‘in the paddock’ are now saying about Liam Lawson’s Formula 1 future

Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson is one of a handful of drivers fighting for his Formula 1 future.

The Formula 1 driver market has been relatively calm this season, and there’s a chance all 20 drivers currently on the grid could be retained for next year for only the second time in the sport’s history.

The last time that happened, Logan Sargeant was dropped halfway through the following season, before Liam Lawson replaced Daniel Ricciardo at RB, now Racing Bulls.

Lawson has had one of the most unconventional routes into Formula 1 after he was handed a five-race audition in 2023 before replacing Ricciardo full-time last year.

That led to Lawson’s unlikely Red Bull promotion at the start of this season, which was followed by a return to Racing Bulls after just two races.

This has led to question marks over the New Zealander’s long-term future in Formula 1.

Red Bull are unlikely to promote Lawson again, as every driver who has previously been demoted has never been offered a reprieve.

However, a recent upturn in form has led to questions being asked, particularly with Arvid Lindblad continuing to impress behind the scenes at Red Bull.

READ MORE: Who is Racing Bulls F1 driver Liam Lawson? Everything you need to know

Red Bull return ‘not on the agenda’ for Liam Lawson, but 2026 Racing Bulls chances are improving

A report written on Formula 1’s official website has shared more details about Lawson’s future.

Lawson has scored points in five of his last 10 Grand Prix, with a career-best finish of fifth recorded at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Isack Hadjar is the favourite to race for Red Bull next season, with the report suggesting that the ‘feeling in the paddock’ is that Lawson making an unlikely comeback is ‘not on the agenda’.

However, Lawson’s recent improvement means there’s now a ‘strong chance to stay at Racing Bulls’ heading into 2026.

It feels like a three-way battle between Lawson, Lindblad and Yuki Tsunoda for two seats at Racing Bulls next year could end in any combination of drivers racing for Alan Permane’s team next year.

Lawson’s statement performance in Baku, finishing directly ahead of Tsunoda, has set him up for success at a track where he’s previously impressed.

READ MORE: All to know about Racing Bulls from team principal to Red Bull affiliation

Liam Lawson returning to the Singapore Grand Prix where he impressed Christian Horner

Lawson made his unexpected F1 debut at the Dutch Grand Prix in 2023 when Ricciardo broke his wrist attempting to avoid the stricken Oscar Piastri.

It was the start of his spell in the RB car that ultimately led Red Bull chiefs to want to hand him a longer stint with the team to see if he had what it took to be the next star to emerge from their academy.

The highlight of Lawson’s five Formula 1 races in 2023 was the Singapore Grand Prix.

Despite never having raced on the Marina Bay Street Circuit, Lawson started ahead of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez and scored two points.

It was the only race that Red Bull didn’t win that year, and while Christian Horner told Lawson after Singapore that he wouldn’t be offered a seat at the start of 2024, it was clear he had turned some heads within the team.

Horner was incredibly loyal to Ricciardo, but Helmut Marko wanted Lawson to return to F1 as quickly as possible, and that performance in particular caught his eye.

Lawson will be hoping that the Singapore street circuit treats him well again as Red Bull close in on deciding their 2026 driver line-ups.