Liam Lawson has revealed that he only learned that he would be retaining his drive in Formula 1 with Racing Bulls into 2026 after the Qatar Grand Prix.
The Kiwi will remain with the Faenza-based squad for what will be his first full F1 season with one team, alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad.
Lawson opened this campaign at Red Bull with Max Verstappen, but successive challenging weekends prompted him to be demoted.
His return to the Racing Bulls garage stabilised his form, and Red Bull saw enough progress to commit to him for the impending rule changes.
Lawson admitted that he spent the Lusail weekend trying to discover the decision, but team boss Alan Permane kept it quiet until Sunday night.
“[I found out] after the race in Qatar,” Lawson told media including Motorsport Week.
“So I didn’t know before the weekend, as much as I was trying to find out during the weekend, it wasn’t until after the race, and it was cool as Alan was the one who told me.
“[The pressure] was difficult, but I was in this position last year as well at the end of the season, so I’ve been through it a few times before, and it doesn’t make it easy, but it is definitely something we’re used to in this team and this environment.
“It is always difficult [not knowing for certain], but it’s not new; it is how I felt as a reserve trying to get my first opportunity in Formula 1.
“I think it is how you feel in Formula 1 until you really establish yourself.
“It is a different position to be going into [next year]; but it is exciting to basically go into next year knowing I have a pre-season to work with the team and be properly ready for next season’s challenges, especially with the new regulations.”
With a full winter of preparation ahead and a rookie team-mate beside him, Lawson will carry the responsibility of leading Racing Bulls into F1’s next rules cycle.
READ MORE – Racing Bulls explains decision to promote Arvid Lindblad to F1 drive
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