Liam Lawson extends little-known streak at Mexico GP that should boost his F1 seat chances
Liam Lawson's seventh-placed finish in the Mexico City Grand Prix means he has extended a little-known points-scoring record during the 2026 season - and it further strengthens his claims for a 2027 race seat.
Lawson has had an impressive season with Racing Bulls, outscoring his rookie team-mate Arvid Lindblad by 83 points to 38.
The New Zealander started from the pit lane in Mexico City after being disqualified from qualifying, but was one of the drivers to benefit from the mid-race red flag brought out by Valtteri Bottas' suspension failure and subsequent crash heading into turn one. He was also promoted two places post-race after Oscar Piastri and Franco Colapinto received penalties.
But his position still appears to be at risk, with Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer refusing to offer any assurances that Lawson would stay with the team in 2027 amid speculation that Red Bull junior driver Nikola Tsolov could be promoted to a race seat next season. However, Lawson should have done his own chances little harm in Mexico.
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Liam Lawson extended little-known streak during Mexico GP
When taking the top four constructors - Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren - out of the results equation, Lawson has now won the last four Grands Prix when it comes to the 'best of the rest' drivers.
He finished in seventh place at both the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia and the Singapore Grand Prix. And in Austin last week, the New Zealander came home ninth after a rare instance of the top four teams all having occupied the top eight places.
As per the long-running, fan-updated F1.5 Championship standings - where, again, the top four teams are eliminated - Lawson tops the table by 31 points ahead of Alpine's Pierre Gasly.
What Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls said after Mexico GP
Speaking to Austrian outlet ORF after the Mexico City Grand Prix, Racing Bulls CEO Bayer said that Lawson had 'done everything to prove himself' during the 2026 season - which also included a three-race stint at Red Bull deputising for the injured Isack Hadjar.
"As a team that plays a leading role in developing new Formula 1 talent, it's our job to continually bring new drivers into the series," he admitted. "We've already helped a total of 22 drivers make it to Formula 1, including Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. The decision will ultimately rest with Alan [Permaine, team principal]. He'll make the right decision for the team."
Those comments would suggest that Racing Bulls are leaning towards promoting Tsolov, who is currently in second place in the F2 championship - and Lawson is concerned about his future.
He told Sky Sports after the Grand Prix in Mexico: "I'm trying my best, every weekend, trying to maximise. Today I gave it everything. But yeah, there's definitely no assurances at the moment.
"It's a tough sport. Right now, I don't know what else to say, really."
Topics: Liam Lawson, Formula 1, Red Bull Racing
Ryan Smart