Liam Lawson appears increasingly likely to remain with Racing Bulls for the 2027 Formula 1 season, with an announcement reportedly expected before the Las Vegas Grand Prix. After months of uncertainty surrounding his future, comments from team principal Alan Permane suggest a decision is finally approaching.
According to Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport, negotiations over a new agreement for the New Zealander are nearing completion, potentially bringing an end to speculation that he could lose his seat despite a series of encouraging performances.
“According to the latest rumours, it should arrive before Las Vegas,” the Italian newspaper reported.
For Lawson, confirmation would represent an important breakthrough after spending much of the season without knowing where he would be racing next year.
Lawson’s Racing Bulls future finally taking shape
Lawson’s position within Red Bull’s driver programme has been a subject of considerable discussion, particularly given the team’s willingness to consider alternatives for its junior outfit.
Among those linked with a possible opportunity was Formula 2 prospect Nikola Tsolov, who has emerged as a potential candidate for a promotion.
However, Lawson’s performances have strengthened his position, making the prospect of retaining his Racing Bulls seat increasingly credible.
The 24-year-old has also demonstrated his ability to deliver under pressure, including during his temporary return to Red Bull’s senior operation as a replacement for Isack Hadjar.
Although that opportunity did not necessarily guarantee anything about his longer-term future, his performances have provided further evidence of his capabilities.
Permane hints that an announcement is approaching
Perhaps the strongest indication that Lawson’s future is becoming clearer came from Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane.
Speaking in Brazil, Permane suggested that the team was moving towards a resolution and indicated that an announcement would not be far away.
“I’m sure when we announce it in the coming weeks, everyone will be happy,” he said.
While Permane stopped short of confirming Lawson’s retention, his comments have naturally increased expectations that the New Zealander will remain part of the team’s plans.
Lawson has also spoken positively about his relationship with the team principal, acknowledging the support he has received during a particularly uncertain period.
“Obviously, they’ll decide what to do,” Lawson said.
“I feel like Alan has been incredibly supportive. I’m extremely grateful for that. And I’ve enjoyed working closely with him and the team this year.”
Those comments underline the importance of the working relationship that has developed between Lawson and the Racing Bulls management.
Mekies praises Lawson but leaves decision to Racing Bulls
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has also recognised Lawson’s recent performances, although he was careful to emphasise that the decision over the junior team’s driver line-up rests elsewhere.
“The decision about the Racing Bulls drivers lies with Racing Bulls,” Mekies explained.
“I can only congratulate him on another very strong weekend. He has put down a fantastic series of results.”
That distinction is significant given Red Bull’s complicated driver structure and the influence the senior organisation has traditionally exercised over its junior team’s line-up.
Mekies’ comments suggest that Lawson’s performances are being recognised at the highest level, without publicly committing Red Bull to a particular outcome.
What a Lawson renewal means for 2027
If the reported agreement is confirmed, Racing Bulls would gain continuity heading into another important period for the team, particularly with Formula 1 preparing for its major 2027 development cycle.
It would also provide Lawson with something that has been missing for much of his Formula 1 career: a degree of stability.
The possibility of Tsolov receiving an opportunity may not disappear entirely, but the latest indications suggest that Lawson has moved into a much stronger position.
For now, Racing Bulls have yet to make an official announcement. However, with Permane suggesting that everybody will be happy when the decision is revealed, expectations are building that Lawson’s future may finally be settled before Formula 1 reaches Las Vegas.
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The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
