Liam Lawson addresses F1 future clarification delay

Liam Lawson has addressed the delay in his Formula 1 future being clarified, with the Red Bull family yet to make a series of key decisions. 

Ahead of 2026, the only known seat filled within the Austrian organisation is Max Verstappen at Red Bull. 

Yuki Tsunoda and Lawson are both without contracts for 2026, whilst Isack Hadjar reportedly has a deal for next season to have at least a seat in Red Bull or Racing Bulls. 

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko had revealed that a decision would be made after Mexico City; however, that has now been delayed further. 

Tsunoda has continued to struggle alongside Verstappen, but in Racing Bulls Lawson's performances have improved considerably. 

Based on current rumours, Hadjar is expected to partner Verstappen in Red Bull, with Arvid Lindblad to be promoted to Racing Bulls from Formula 2. 

That would leave a battle between Lawson and Tsunoda for the second Racing Bulls seat, a decision which Lawson is unsure when it will be made. 

A current distraction for both teams is the constructors' championship, as Red Bull is fighting for second, with Racing Bulls fighting for sixth.

Asked if he expects the decision to be made potentially after the season, Lawson told select media including RacingNews365: "Honestly, I have absolutely no idea. I would expect it to be towards the end, if not the end of the season. 

"But it's, yeah, it's something, both teams are in a very important constructors' [title] race. And I think to give the best opportunity possible for both teams, that's the reasoning of this [delay], I would say. 

"But for that, I would say they're going to push it as late as they can. But obviously, I don't know."