Red Bull Set to Confirm Liam lawson’s F1 Future This Week
ABU DHABI, UAE – Red Bull Racing is expected to announce the future of New Zealand driver Liam Lawson this week, following a delayed decision regarding its 2026 driver lineup. The announcement will come amidst the final race of the 2025 Formula 1 season, a dramatic title showdown in Abu Dhabi.
The team initially planned to confirm its 2026 plans at the end of October, but postponed the announcement after Max Verstappen’s championship contention intensified. Verstappen is confirmed at Red Bull Racing through 2028, leaving one seat alongside the four-time world champion open. Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda are the primary contenders for the position.
Lawson stepped into red Bull’s senior team mid-season, replacing Daniel Ricciardo after just two races, and has since secured 38 points, placing him 14th in the World Driver’s Standings. Tsunoda trails closely behind in 15th with 33 points, though his performance has been challenged since joining the senior team.
Isack Hadjar, Lawson’s teammate in the Red Bull junior program, has reportedly secured a seat with the senior team for next year. Hadjar delivered consistent results, including a podium finish at Zandvoort, during his rookie campaign. 18-year-old Formula 2 driver Arvid Lindblad is expected to join the Racing Bulls team, filling a second seat.
The decision regarding Lawson’s future is further complicated by Honda’s departure from Red Bull at the end of this season to partner with Aston Martin,and Tsunoda’s existing ties to the engine supplier. Tsunoda has also been linked to the American IndyCar series.Prior to the Qatar Grand Prix, Tsunoda hinted at knowing his future plans, stating to media, “But most peopel already know it,” sounding despondent.
Lawson remains a strong contender, having statistically outperformed Tsunoda this season. Though, the two drivers have been relatively even in points throughout the year. Hadjar expressed confidence about his future in the sport during the Qatar Grand Prix media day, stating, “Last year I didn’t really know if I was going to F1, and now I know I’ll be on the grid next year.”