Liam Lawson has produced a calm, measured and consistent set of performances in Formula 1 season, despite what he called “noise” regarding his seat. He told Motorsport Week how he’s done it.
The Kiwi has become an omnipresent face in the sport over the last couple of years amid some trying and sporadic times, and flip-flopping between Red Bulls’ satellite squad and the main one itself.
2026 was officially Lawson’s first full season with Racing Bulls, albeit punctuated by three outings for the Milton Keynes-based squad with Isack Hadjar out with a broken wrist.
Possibly a cathartic experience to show some decent pace having been ousted by the team after just two races last season, Lawson has established himself as a regular performer this year.
The 24-year-old has also, like the entire grid, had to contend with the new regulations that has polarised the sport, and has risen to the challenge well.
In an exclusive interview with Motorsport Week, Lawson explained the differences between the preparations that went into this season compared to last season, as well as finding the off-track structure that has worked for him.
“I think, it’s more just the way that 2025, the way the season started,” he said. “Obviously, I was in a different team and then didn’t have much of a pre-season.
“Then we started the season, did a switch, and then it felt like for a long time I was playing catch-up and trying to just get a handle of where things were at. Whereas I think this year, having the pre-season with this team, [and the] new cars as well, I feel like it is a bit of a level playing field.
“At least for everyone, there’s a lot more involved in the development of the car. And being involved in that, knowing the direction that we’re going and all the sort of upgrades and stuff that we’re focused on, that’s just been a lot more [pronounced], it’s been a lot better this year, been a lot more focused.
“And then just having more experience, knowing what works for me as a driver, learning race weekends, away from track and at track, things that just work for me, the people around me. I have a really strong group of people around me.”
How Liam Lawson has changed mindset amid Tsolov speculation
For the second season in a row, there has been yet another elephant in the room for Lawson and Racing Bulls – speculation around next season.
The resurgence in form showed in the second half of 2025 saw Lawson retain the seat, pairing him with new boy Arvid Lindblad.
But, despite his sparkling partnership with the young Brit, the rumour mill has churned once again, this time centred around a new Red Bull junior star in the form of Formula 2 contender Nikola Tsolov.
And with the season entering its final three races, Racing Bulls is yet to announce its line-up, with Lawson’s stellar performances making the decision a hard one.
But Lawson is clear: he has found what has worked for him to shut out that speculation, put his head down and focus on the task at hand.
“I feel like each weekend recently has been very, very strong, and for me, at the moment, with the way the car is,” he said.
“I’m focused on trying to… Obviously, we’re fighting for P5 in the Constructors’, and if we do that, then I’ve done my job.
“But for me as well, I’m trying to stay on top of the midfield, so that’s just what my target is each weekend, honestly, and so I feel like there’s a lot of noise in the background, as you said, around seat selection, especially in the regular programme.”
Lawson admitted that this time last season, this might have affected him, but with the added year of experience, he has been able to produce what he believes to be his most “enjoyable” Grands Prix performances.
“I would say a year ago I was probably thinking about it a lot,” he continued. “Was probably quite stressed about it at times, and wasn’t driving at my best, honestly, and I feel like this year, it’s not the same, you know? I don’t feel that same pressure or stress about it or that worry about it.
“Yeah, I would say the second half of this year, especially the more recent races, have probably been actually the most enjoyable races I’ve had in Formula 1, and they’ve been our strongest.”
READ MORE – Liam Lawson pinpoints major Racing Bulls 2026 midfield ‘green flag’
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