Lawson Discovers 2026 F1 Seat After Qatar Grand Prix

Liam Lawson will officially have a Formula 1 seat for the 2026 season with Racing Bulls, a decision he learned only after the Qatar Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver announced his future after the season finale in Abu Dhabi, confirming he will partner Arvid Lindblad, while Isack Hadjar joins Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing. Yuki Tsunoda will transition to a reserve driver role.

Why it matters:

After a season of uncertainty and high-stakes performance, securing a full-time F1 seat is a pivotal moment for Lawson. His journey, marked by a return to Racing Bulls and subsequent adaptation, highlights the intense pressure young drivers face within the Red Bull academy. This confirmation provides stability for his career and allows him to fully focus on developing with the team.

The details:

• Decision Timing: Lawson revealed he was informed of his 2026 seat after the Qatar Grand Prix, not before the race weekend, despite his efforts to find out sooner.
• The Messenger: Alan Permane, a key figure in the team, was the one to deliver the news to Lawson, making the moment particularly significant.
• Pressure Management: Lawson acknowledged the added pressure of waiting for a decision, likening it to his experience at the end of the previous season when his future was also uncertain up until Abu Dhabi.
  • He emphasized that this is a familiar scenario for drivers within the Red Bull system, helping him to manage the stress.
• 2026 Line-up: The confirmed Red Bull family driver lineups for 2026 are:
  • Red Bull Racing: Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar
  • Racing Bulls: Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad
  • Reserve Driver: Yuki Tsunoda

Between the lines:

Lawson's demotion to Racing Bulls two Grands Prix into the 2025 season meant a significant period of adjustment. He admitted that a return to Red Bull Racing was not his primary focus this year, especially given the challenges of re-acclimatizing to the car and the missed pre-season development.

• He spent the initial part of the season concentrating on finding his rhythm and adapting to the car's nuances.
• The team made specific adjustments to the car during the season to better suit his driving style, underscoring the collaborative effort to integrate him effectively.

What's next:

With his 2026 seat secured, Lawson can now channel his energy fully into preparing for the upcoming regulations and working closely with Racing Bulls to maximize their performance. This clarity will be invaluable as F1 heads into a new era with significant technical changes.