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Lawson’s Sao Paulo win secures his 2027 F1 seat

Liam Lawson’s strong performance at the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix has tipped the scales in his favour for a 2027 Racing Bulls seat. The New Zealander qualified fifth, then moved up to third after front‑row penalties, and seized a first‑lap opportunity to finish second before settling for seventh. Lawson’s seventh‑place finish, coupled with a battle against Charles Leclerc, earned him points in four consecutive Grands Prix and silenced doubts about his future. Despite the threat from 19‑year‑old F2 hopeful Nikola Tsolov, who impressed during Mexico City practice, Racing Bulls’ hierarchy now appears inclined to retain Lawson. The decision remains under the purview of Racing Bulls principal Alan Permane, following recent leadership changes that saw Laurent Mekies replace Christian Horner. A brief clash with Max Verstappen in Mexico, followed by an apology, helped smooth tensions before the Brazilian race. Racing Bulls’ senior team, Red Bull, continues to use the junior squad as a talent pipeline, with Isack Hadjar currently occupying the second seat. If Lawson keeps his seat, he will be the first Racing Bulls driver to secure a place for the 2027 season, potentially paving the way to Red Bull’s senior ranks.

· Sky Sports

The essential points

  1. 01Lawson qualified fifth at Sao Paulo, moved to third after penalties, and finished second on the first lap.
  2. 02He finished seventh, earning points in four straight Grands Prix, and challenged Charles Leclerc before Leclerc was penalised.
  3. 03Racing Bulls’ 2027 seat now likely secured after reports that the team will keep Lawson despite F2 contender Nikola Tsolov.
  4. 04Leadership shifts at Racing Bulls, with Laurent Mekies replacing Christian Horner, mean the final decision rests with team principal Alan Permane.
The full brief

Liam Lawson’s strong performance at the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix has tipped the scales in his favour for a 2027 Racing Bulls seat. The New Zealander qualified fifth, then moved up to third after front‑row penalties, and seized a first‑lap opportunity to finish second before settling for seventh. Lawson’s seventh‑place finish, coupled with a battle against Charles Leclerc, earned him points in four consecutive Grands Prix and silenced doubts about his future.

Despite the threat from 19‑year‑old F2 hopeful Nikola Tsolov, who impressed during Mexico City practice, Racing Bulls’ hierarchy now appears inclined to retain Lawson. The decision remains under the purview of Racing Bulls principal Alan Permane, following recent leadership changes that saw Laurent Mekies replace Christian Horner. A brief clash with Max Verstappen in Mexico, followed by an apology, helped smooth tensions before the Brazilian race.

Racing Bulls’ senior team, Red Bull, continues to use the junior squad as a talent pipeline, with Isack Hadjar currently occupying the second seat. If Lawson keeps his seat, he will be the first Racing Bulls driver to secure a place for the 2027 season, potentially paving the way to Red Bull’s senior ranks.