Liam Lawson, currently not under contract for the 2025 Formula 1 season, has set a deadline for next week to receive news about his future in the sport. The New Zealand driver has been a reserve driver for Red Bull and its sister team, AlphaTauri, since 2022, gaining two opportunities to race in Formula 1. Lawson first substituted for Daniel Ricciardo last season after Ricciardo suffered a hand injury, and then replaced Ricciardo full-time following the Singapore Grand Prix earlier this year.
Lawson’s performances have drawn attention, particularly his clashes with Sergio Perez, including a notable battle at the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix. He has scored points in two races this season, further solidifying his reputation as a capable driver. His strong junior career and solid performances in F1 have made him a candidate for a potential promotion to Red Bull, especially as Perez’s position in the team remains uncertain, despite signing a contract for 2025 earlier this year.
Ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lawson was asked about his future in F1. He admitted he didn’t have concrete news but expected to receive updates “next week” regarding his next steps. Lawson emphasized that this weekend’s race would be his “last chance” to show why he deserves a seat in Formula 1. He also acknowledged that while he felt he made the most of every opportunity, he knew there were lessons to be learned from his experiences, admitting that “you never do the perfect race.”
While Lawson’s recent results have been relatively close to his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, who has outqualified him in all but two races, Lawson remains optimistic about his prospects. He expressed confidence in his readiness for a potential move to Red Bull, stating, “I do feel like if the opportunity one day came to go to Red Bull, I feel ready for it.” Lawson sees the chance to learn from Max Verstappen, widely regarded as the best driver in F1, as an exciting prospect, offering invaluable data and insights that would greatly benefit his development.
