Lawson reveals pressure is no different ahead of key 2026 F1 season

10:01, 18 Jan

byKada Sarkozi

Liam Lawson does not treat the upcoming season any different in terms of pressure on his shoulders to prove he belongs in Formula 1.

"Obviously, there're not many seats in Formula 1 and we're always under the microscope to perform."

- Liam Lawson

Lawson was replaced two Grand Prix weekends into his stint at Red Bull Racing entering the 2025 campaign. After his return to Racing Bulls, the New Zealand performed well enough to keep his seat for the upcoming season.

Asked by GPblog how important 2026 will be to establish himself as a driver who belongs in the competition in the long term, Lawson said: "I think every season, to be honest, is just as important in that regard.

"Obviously, there're not many seats in Formula 1 and we're always under the microscope to perform.

"So I think it's not really any different to what it was last year. It's the same sort of importance. So nothing will really change for me."

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Lawson feels more used to being a full-time F1 driver

Compared to the past season, the New Zealander pointed out that he feels more comfortable as a full-time driver now.

He explained: "I guess [I'm] more aware of how being in Formula 1 works. I was a reserve driver for quite a long time, so I was always at the track, but being a driver was very, very different last year.

"It's something that's, with experience, you just get more comfortable.

"The biggest question mark this year is going to be the cars, the new regulations, how they are for us to drive. For me, I've got to try and get on top of it very quickly, and then try and improve the car and make it as fast as we can," he concluded.

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