News Summary
- Liam Lawson admitted he would welcome greater support from the Red Bull organisation while waiting for confirmation of his 2027 Formula 1 seat.
- The New Zealander praised Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane after finishing seventh at the São Paulo Grand Prix.
- Lawson also revealed that tyre graining began almost immediately in Brazil and warned that Alpine could be competitive in Las Vegas.
Liam Lawson has admitted that he would welcome more support from the wider Red Bull organisation as uncertainty continues over his Formula 1 future, despite another impressive performance for Racing Bulls at the São Paulo Grand Prix.
The New Zealander finished seventh at Interlagos after briefly running second during the opening lap, strengthening his case for a place on the 2027 grid. However, Racing Bulls has yet to announce its full driver line-up for next season.
Lawson has received considerable encouragement from supporters in recent weeks, but his latest comments suggest he would also appreciate a clearer indication of confidence from within the Red Bull structure.
Lawson sends message to Red Bull over 2027 uncertainty
Lawson explained that the public support surrounding his future has been encouraging, particularly as the season approaches its conclusion.
“I appreciate all the support I’ve seen over the last few weeks,” Lawson said.
“It’s honestly really nice to see. Obviously, I would love it if it was more from a team!”
The New Zealander stressed that he is concentrating on his performances rather than trying to influence the decision through public statements.
“But at the moment, I’m just trying to enjoy driving the car because with everything else going on, I don’t really know what else I’m meant to do.”
“I don’t know what else I’m meant to say to you guys. I’m just going to keep driving and yeah, see what happens.”
Lawson distinguished the support he has received from Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane from the uncertainty surrounding decisions made by the wider organisation.
“I feel like Alan’s been extremely supportive to me, and I appreciate that a lot, and I have enjoyed working closely with them and with the team this year. But obviously it’s a big organisation.”
His comments follow another weekend in which he demonstrated the competitiveness that has strengthened his prospects of remaining with Racing Bulls in 2027.
São Paulo performance strengthens Lawson’s case
Lawson qualified fifth in Brazil and moved up to third on the starting grid following penalties for other drivers.
An excellent opening lap allowed him to overtake Lando Norris and run second behind Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
The position proved difficult to maintain, however, as the leading teams demonstrated stronger race pace and Lawson struggled with tyre degradation.
“We were damaging our tyre, I think, quite a lot more than them,” he explained.
Lawson said graining had begun unusually early in the opening stint.
“And I think for us, the graining started halfway through Lap 1, honestly.”
Despite losing positions, Lawson remained competitive in the midfield and finished eighth on the road.
A five-second penalty for Charles Leclerc subsequently promoted him to seventh after the Ferrari driver made contact while overtaking.
Lawson had initially feared that the collision might have caused a puncture, but his car survived the incident.
The result reinforced Racing Bulls’ position in the constructors’ championship and added another strong performance to Lawson’s campaign.
Lawson warns Alpine could threaten Racing Bulls in Las Vegas
Although Racing Bulls currently holds an advantage over Alpine in the midfield battle, Lawson believes the French team could be particularly competitive at the next race.
Las Vegas features long straights where straight-line speed and energy deployment are important.
“I think there we’re expecting Alpine to be quite strong. They’re very, very quick down the straights. So I imagine they’ll be strong there,” Lawson said.
The New Zealander remains determined to help Racing Bulls secure its championship position before the season ends.
“We’re topping the midfield as a team, and that’s what we’re targeting every weekend.”
For Lawson, the remaining races also provide further opportunities to demonstrate why he deserves a confirmed seat in 2027.
His performances have already made a compelling sporting case, but the final decision remains with Red Bull.
GRANDE PRÊMIO is following Lawson’s future and the final three rounds of the 2026 championship in its Formula 1 section.
