Liam Lawson’s F1 future: Will the decision be made after the summer break?

The Formula 1 summer break offers the regulars in the paddock not only the chance to take a breather and recharge their batteries. For many drivers, it is also an opportunity to discuss the future. After all, those without a contract for the coming season had little time to consider what lies ahead, given the packed World Championship calendar both before and after the break.

One driver who didn’t yet have an answer when asked about this during the recent World Championship weekend in Hungary is Liam Lawson. The Racing Bulls rider has performed well this season. In the eleven World Championship rounds so far, he has scored 43 points. He finished eight of the eleven Grands Prix in the top ten and currently sits ninth in the provisional World Championship standings.

Failed promotion last year

However, it is unclear whether this will be enough to secure his place in the Faenza-based team. After all, the Racing Bulls team is essentially a training ground for drivers who will later move up to its sister team, Red Bull Racing. This also applies to the current drivers at the top team based in Milton Keynes. Both Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar moved from the Racing Bulls Team to Red Bull Racing.

Lawson was also delighted to be promoted, though his joy was short-lived. After the 2024 season, in which he was allowed to compete in the last six Grands Prix, he raced alongside Verstappen in the first two races of the 2025 season, only to be transferred back to the Racing Bulls team afterwards. He does not know whether he will get a second chance.

Nikola Tsolov is pushing for a place in Formula 1

And at Racing Bulls, Nikola Tsolov – a strong young driver from the Red Bull Junior Team – is knocking on the door. The Bulgarian currently tops the Formula 2 standings, having completed just four races in the top-tier formula series in 2025. Many experts already see the 19-year-old in Formula 1 as early as next year. And that would likely – as everyone agrees – be at Lawson’s expense. Although the New Zealander is clearly more successful than his team-mate Arvid Lindblad, the latter is putting in a remarkable performance as a rookie. After all, Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane has also confirmed that they are considering promoting the teenager next year.

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Lawson’s uncertainty therefore stems not only from the lack of a contract for 2027. That is why the 24-year-old hopes to have clarity about his professional future soon. “I’ve no idea myself,” he explained in Hungary when asked whether discussions about his future were a priority. “Normally, these talks take place around the summer break. I’m sure there will be discussions,” he added hopefully.