Liam Lawson in the Racing Bulls garage - Photo: Race Pictures

The one-word task Lawson needs to complete to remain in F1

08:29, 14 Oct

Updated: 09:16, 14 Oct

0 Comments

byKada Sarkozi

Liam Lawson revealed the one-word message he’s been given to keep his seat in Formula 1.

"The message to us is - I'm sure it's the same across all of us - it's 'perform'."

- Liam Lawson

After being demoted from Red Bull Racing back to Racing Bulls just two rounds into the season, the New Zealander explained what he must do to secure his seat beyond 2025.

"I don't know exactly when, but obviously at some point, that decision is going to have to be made. So, I think in the next few races, and then the message to us is - I'm sure it's the same across all of us - it's 'perform'," he explained to F1.com.

Lawson continued: "The better we perform, the better chance we have of staying in the sport. But timeframe's very vague at the moment."

Liam Lawson driving the Racing Bulls car in Singapore - Photo: Race Pictures

The New Zealander said it's "tricky" for him to judge whether he has done enough to remain.

"Honestly, I try not to think too much about what decision they're making and how they're sort of perceiving. And I think for me, I'm just focused on trying to extract everything out of the car every time I get in it."

Lawson achieved his best result in Azerbaijan, finishing in fifth place after qualifying third in tricky conditions.

"I think that's why, as much as Baku was a great weekend, the mindset changes very quickly onto the next one.

"Because I'm well aware that we need to keep this consistency going, and one good result is not enough it needs to carry on through the next few races," he concluded.

The New Zealander had a difficult weekend in Singapore, ultimately missing out on points after two incidents across FP2 and FP3.

Red Bull's decision nears

While Lawson couldn't give a time frame for when the decision will take place, top advisor Helmut Marko previously stated it would be around the Mexico City Grand Prix, which takes place in two weeks' time.

Currently, two drivers have a contract within the Red Bull family for next year.

Max Verstappen confirmed ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix that he will stay with the team through 2026. The other driver under contract is Isack Hadjar, though it remains unclear which team he’ll race for.

GPblog's latest F1 Paddock Update

Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? Then GPblog's F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog's YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.