Lawson embraces Racing Bulls leadership role for 2026 season

Liam Lawson is set to take on the role of senior driver at Racing Bulls for the 2026 season, partnering with British rookie Arvid Lindblad. Despite a brutal demotion from the senior Red Bull team early in 2025, Lawson bounced back to secure his future, stating that his approach to the new leadership responsibilities will remain unchanged as he prepares for his first full season start with the Faenza-based outfit.

Why it matters:

For Lawson, this represents a significant redemption arc within the Red Bull family. After losing his seat to Daniel Ricciardo (implied context) and facing intense scrutiny, securing the lead role at Faenza offers a stable platform to prove his worth. It also highlights the brutal, results-driven culture of Red Bull's driver program, where resilience is as valuable as raw speed, and a driver's future is never guaranteed regardless of their talent.

The details:

• Steady Approach: Lawson emphasized that his mindset won't shift despite the "team leader" tag. He noted that his relationship with the Faenza squad is stronger than ever, built on mutual trust developed during his 2025 campaign.
• Mentoring Lindblad: While expecting rookie Arvid Lindblad to be up to speed quickly, Lawson is prepared to assist with the nuances of entering Formula 1, leveraging his own recent experiences to help the newcomer adapt.
• Red Bull's Pressure Cooker: The New Zealander shed light on the psychological aspect of the Red Bull driver program. He explained that the pressure to perform to secure one's future is instilled from a young age, making the high-stakes environment of F1 feel like a natural progression rather than a sudden shock.

Looking Ahead:

As Lawson prepares for the 2026 season, the focus shifts to translating this leadership into on-track performance. With the Red Bull culture demanding constant results, this will be another proving year, but this time, Lawson enters as the established veteran guiding the next generation.