

Liam Lawson's remarkable 2026 Formula 1 campaign has positioned him as a standout performer within Red Bull's racing stable, where his 89-point haul has led all midfield competitors. Even discounting the 14 points he accrued while substituting for the injured Isack Hadjar at Red Bull, his performance places him well ahead of Pierre Gasly in the standings. Driving a superior Racing Bulls car, Lawson's points tally nearly doubles that of teammate Arvid Lindblad, demonstrating his consistency with 12 Q3 appearances and 16 scoring finishes. Despite these accomplishments, Lawson's future within the Red Bull organization is not free of obstacles. Oliver Mintzlaff, the CEO of Red Bull's sports division, is perceived as a significant hurdle. Speculation suggests Lawson's position might have been precarious following his brief stint with the top team in 2025 and his subsequent demotion, where he faced challenges against the form of Isack Hadjar. However, Lawson's impressive revival in 2026, arguably second only to world champion Kimi Antonelli in terms of an upward trajectory, has caught the attention of Red Bull's higher-ups. Team principal Laurent Mekies has praised Lawson's recent performances, notably in Brazil, while emphasizing that decisions regarding the 2027 lineup rest with Alan Permane, an advocate for the young New Zealander. Nevertheless, concerns remain regarding Lawson's standing with internal stakeholders, notably Mintzlaff and possibly Max Verstappen. Italian journalist Franco Nugnes suggests Mintzlaff harbors reservations about Lawson, hinting at a potentially reluctant approval for Lawson's continuation into 2027. Furthermore, Max Verstappen's purported lack of enthusiasm towards Lawson could complicate matters. Verstappen, possessing a remarkable level of influence within Red Bull, reportedly views Lawson as an encroachment. This dynamic adds a layer of complexity to Lawson's path forward, where navigating internal politics might be as challenging as the competition on track. As Red Bull halts its traditional driver rotation for 2027, with Nikola Tsolov potentially assuming a reserve role, Lawson's short-term future seems secured, albeit with conceivable trials stemming from both corporate strategies and personal relationships within the team hierarchy.