Liam Lawson has revealed when he discovered Racing Bulls had decided to keep him on for the 2026 F1 season.
Lawson was confirmed earlier this week as staying on at Racing Bulls for his first full season with the team in 2026, when he will acquire a new position.
He is to assume the team leader duties after being paired with rookie Arvid Lindblad, as he detailed how team principal Alan Permane eventually told him of the decision after the Lusail weekend, despite his best efforts to find out before.
"[I found out] after the race in Qatar," Lawson told media, including RacingNews365.
"So I didn't know before the weekend, as much as I was trying to find out during the weekend, it wasn't until after the race, and it was cool as Alan was the one who told me.
"[The pressure] was difficult, but I was in this position last year as well at the end of the season, so I've been through it a few times before, and it doesn't make it easy, but it is definitely something we're used to in this team and this environment.
"It is always difficult [not knowing for certain], but it's not new; it is how I felt as a reserve trying to get my first opportunity in Formula 1. I think it is how you feel in Formula 1 until you really establish yourself.
"It is a different position to be going into [next year]; but it is exciting to basically go into next year knowing I have a pre-season to work with the team and be properly ready for next season's challenges, especially with the new regulations."
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