Lawson's Racing Bulls future in doubt as Bayer withholds backing for 2027

Liam Lawson's Formula 1 future looks increasingly uncertain after Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer stopped short of backing the New Zealander for 2027. Speaking to ORF, Bayer praised Nikola Tsolov's first appearance in the car in Mexico FP1 and stressed the team's role as a development outfit, saying the final decision rests with team principal Alan Permane.

Bayer said that Lawson was widely regarded in the paddock as having done enough to keep the seat, but immediately added that the team's job is to continually develop new drivers. He noted that Racing Bulls has brought 22 drivers into Formula 1, including Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.

Lawson, whose clash with Verstappen in Mexico drew attention, said the weekend had been very tough and that he would learn from it. Asked when he expected news about his future, he paused before replying, "I don't know."