Liam Lawson praised amid F1 future speculation: 'A big boost in his career'

Liam Lawson is enjoying a “big boost in his career” amid his strong run of performances this year, according to former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe.

Lawson has produced standout results at Racing Bulls during the first half of the season and has been a frequent finisher inside the points.

His situation contrasts greatly to that of 2025 when he was still recovering from the early-season demotion from Red Bull after a horror opening two rounds.

Hinchcliffe rated Lawson as one of his top five drivers in the first 11 rounds, stating he has risen to the challenge of dealing with the pressure of occupying a seat at the Red Bull junior team.

“By this point last year Liam Lawson was only just finding his footing again after his Red Bull to Racing Bulls seat swap, and even then was finding it tough to match highly-rated rookie team-mate Isack Hadjar,” Hinchcliffe told F1.

“Given that comparison, some were thinking that maybe his place in F1 altogether was at risk for 2026. 

“But a new year, a new car and a new team-mate have given Lawson a new lease on life and a big boost in his career.”

Despite his performances, Lawson's seat for 2027 is not yet certain amid speculation that Nikola Tsolov could be handed a promotion to F1.

Nevertheless, Hinchcliffe asserted Lawson can be “proud” of his displays so far.

“Once again teamed with a highly rated rookie (and Arvid Lindblad does deserve an honourable mention in this piece for the year he is having), Lawson has stepped up and helped lead the team past Alpine and into fifth in the teams' championship battle.

“The qualifying sessions and races are often close with him and Lindblad, but more often than not the Kiwi comes out on top, with 20 more points on the board so far. 

“Sitting ninth in the championship and 25 points back from the man who replaced him at Red Bull is a campaign that he can proud of. 

“And there are no signs he is letting up any time soon.”