Liam Lawson remains in the dark about his F1 future
Lawson was left in the dark at a crucial moment (Photo: Race Pictures)
Ben Hunt is an award-winning motorsport journalist with over two decades of experience in Formula 1 and international media. As a former editor-in-chief and bestselling author, he delivers in-depth analysis and strategic insight from the highest level of the sport.
Liam Lawson is set to find out whether he has secured a full-time Formula 1 seat for 2025 in the coming weeks, as Racing Bulls deliberate over their upcoming driver line-up. With Red Bull's sister squad weighing up multiple contenders for only two cockpits, Racing Racing Bulls Sporting Director Alan Permane confirmed that an official decision is fast approaching.
Permane admitted that the team are in no rush to finalise their plans, prioritising the right combination of youth and performance over an immediate announcement. F2 title contender Nikola Tsolov has emerged as a strong candidate to replace either Lawson or Arvid Lindblad.
"I don't want to give you a definite date," Permane explained regarding the timeline for an announcement. "It's going to be in the coming weeks, let's say. We're not in a rush. I think everyone knows we've got two fantastic drivers. We've got a fantastic driver in F2 at the moment, and they're all there and ready to go."
Permane highlighted the unavoidable mathematical headache facing the squad heading into next season: "Three doesn't fit into two, of course, and we're just going to take a little bit more time and make sure we get the right pairing for next year."
For Lawson, the upcoming decision represents a crucial crossroads in his career, with reports linking him to contractual deadlines that could leave him free to explore alternatives if a Red Bull or Racing Bulls seat does not materialise.
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When asked about the key criteria Racing Bulls are assessing as they choose their line-up, Permane underlined that raw lap time is only one part of the equation within Red Bull's junior development philosophy.
"There's many, many things," Permane stated. "I guess top of the list is speed and pace and all that goes with that. But there's lots, of course, in the background because we're in a slightly unique situation. We want to bring on young drivers, we want to bring on young talent, and of course we have one eye on them progressing in the future. So it's not just about the here and now; it's also about what they can do in the future."
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