Racing Bulls delays Liam Lawson confirmation amid Red Bull power struggle

With three Grands Prix remaining in the 2026 season, Racing Bulls has still not confirmed its driver lineup for next year. The uncertainty centers on Liam Lawson, who sits ninth in the drivers’ standings with 89 points, a significant lead over his teammate Arvid Lindblad and other midfield rivals. While the team has praised his recent form, including a seventh-place finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix, the decision remains stalled. This delay creates a distinct tension between the junior team’s mandate to develop talent and the senior team’s influence over personnel choices.

Mekies deflects responsibility while insiders point elsewhere

Laurent Mekies, CEO of Red Bull Racing, insists that he holds no authority over the final call regarding Lawson’s future. He stated clearly that "the Racing Bulls driver decision is down to Racing Bulls," emphasizing that the senior team only promotes drivers after they prove themselves in the junior squad. This stance contrasts sharply with reports from BBC Sport’s Andrew Benson, who claims the true decision-makers are Red Bull shareholders Chalerm Yoovidhya and Mark Mateschitz, along with Oliver Mintzlaff. Mekies argued there is "no reason to rush" the process, suggesting the team is taking necessary time to assess all options carefully. However, this explanation does little to resolve the confusion surrounding why a high-performing driver remains unconfirmed so late in the season.

The paddock consensus suggests Lawson is the likely candidate to be replaced by F2 champion Nikola Tsolov, though this has not been officially confirmed. Lawson’s performance has been exceptional, securing five consecutive top-10 results and helping Racing Bulls reach fifth place in the constructors’ championship. His willingness to assist Max Verstappen during the Brazil race, where he slowed significantly to let the Red Bull driver pass, further demonstrated his commitment to the broader Red Bull family. Despite these efforts, the lack of a contract announcement leaves him in a precarious position as the season winds down.

Permane acknowledges the human cost of waiting

Alan Permane, the team principal of Racing Bulls, has expressed frustration with the constant media inquiries about the driver lineup. He recently admitted that the delay is causing genuine frustration for the drivers involved, marking a shift from his earlier stance that the team was "in no rush." Permane stated, "Let’s get it done soon," indicating a desire to finalize the roster before the Las Vegas Grand Prix later this month. This public recognition of the drivers’ anxiety adds pressure to the team to make a definitive choice without compromising their long-term strategy.

CEO Peter Bayer noted that while the general consensus in the paddock supports retaining Lawson, the team’s role as a developer of new talent requires continuous fresh blood. They have introduced 22 drivers to Formula 1 over the years, including Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, which complicates the current selection process. The team must balance continuity with the opportunity to promote another prospect like Tsolov, who is currently competing for the F2 title. Until an official announcement arrives, Lawson remains the primary subject of scrutiny, with his seat effectively up for grabs despite his strong statistical record.