Liam Lawson highlights crucial 'kick-off' area after Racing Bulls relief

Liam Lawson has expressed his gratitude after being retained by Racing Bulls for the 2026 F1 season.

Lawson has spent the majority of the last few months sweating over his future as Red Bull analysed who it would field in its two teams next year.

Following a lengthy period of deliberation by Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies and advisor Helmut Marko, Isack Hadjar has been chosen as Max Verstappen's team-mate, whilst Arvid Lindblad has been promoted to partner Lawson at Racing Bulls.

Whilst RacingNews365 has long understood that Hadjar would join Verstappen at Red Bulls, and Lindblad would get his shot in F1, the second seat at the Faenza-based team has long been seen as a fight between Lawson and Tsunoda.

New Zealander Lawson, who was adamant even after Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix that he had yet to be informed over his future, has finally been given the nod, with Tsunoda relegated to a test and reserve driver role.

The key for Lawson going forward into 2026 is getting a pre-season under his belt with Racing Bulls. Last season, it was with Red Bull before being axed after two races and returned to the 'junior' team. Before that, in 2023 and 2024, he sat on the sidelines waiting for his big break and a full-time opportunity.

With the wait now over for Lawson, he said: "I'm really looking forward to racing with VCARB in 2026.

"It's an opportunity I'll continue to be grateful for as we enter a year of change in F1. I'm ready to get to work with the team as we prepare for the challenging season ahead.

"It's going to be an exciting year, and I can't wait to kick it off with my first pre-season with the team."