Liam Lawson names Racing Bulls target as F1 future decision looms

Liam Lawson has said that his target for the remainder of the 2026 F1 season is to "score as many points" as possible - despite not knowing if he'll be on the grid next term.

The New Zealander put in another best-of-the-rest performance in the United States GP to finish ninth, only behind the top eight cars from Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren.

The result was Lawson's 14th points haul of the season for Racing Bulls, including three Sprints, from 20 opportunities, and his 16th overall if his points for Red Bull are counted during his super-sub appearances in place of the injured Isack Hadjar.

Lawson has scored the lion's share of Racing Bulls' 102 points, with 63 to his name, but despite this continued strong showing, he is not assured of a place on the 2027 grid.

Racing Bulls is currently evaluating whether to promote F2 title contender Nikola Tsolov into a race seat, and with Arvid Lindblad looking secure after a fine rookie campaign, Lawson would be the driver to make way if the Bulgarian is given the nod. 

Should Racing Bulls drop Lawson, there is a slim chance of him being on the 2027 grid, but despite the uncertainty, Lawson is determined to keep continuing to score regular points.

"I mean for sure, it is a good place," Lawson told media, including RacingNews365, about his position.

"It has been a good year, and obviously towards the end of the season, there are only a few races left.

"But for me, I'm trying to score as many points as I can this year.

"And I'm going to try to do that for the rest of the year."