Lawson’s F1 narrative shifts during 2026 season
Lawson’s 2026 Performance and Standing
Liam Lawson has seen a notable shift in his Formula 1 narrative during the 2026 season. Returning to the Dutch Grand Prix three years after his unexpected debut, Lawson is currently positioned as the leading driver in the points standings outside of the top four teams. He sits ninth in the drivers’ standings, trailing Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar by one place and 25 points.
Lawson’s current standing reflects significant progress, particularly given that many had written him off just 12 months ago after a challenging move to Red Bull and concerns about his future at Racing Bulls. Despite this, Lawson has demonstrated a determined character, focusing on improving his performance.
Impact of Stability and Team Collaboration
A key factor in Lawson’s improved performance this season is the stability he has experienced. This marks his fifth year with Racing Bulls, having joined the then-AlphaTauri team as a test/reserve driver in 2022. Unlike his 2023 and 2024 campaigns, which involved late-season stand-in roles, the 2026 season has provided consistency from the outset.
This stability has allowed Lawson to contribute knowledge to the team’s development process from the beginning of the season. His race engineer, Alexandre Iliopoulos, highlighted that many may not have fully appreciated the importance of this stability, noting that last year was effectively Lawson’s first full season in Formula 1.
The collaboration with his team, particularly with team boss Alan Permane, has also been instrumental. Permane observed a significant improvement in Lawson, stating that he is happier, more focused, and quicker. Lawson acknowledges the importance of detailed work, especially with engineers, in optimising deployment strategies, which has been a powerful aspect of his performance this year.
An example of this collaborative approach was seen at the Australian Grand Prix, where Lawson suggested a strategy to harvest energy by lifting through certain corners, which proved effective. Despite his known dislike for the 2026 rules, Lawson has committed to understanding and optimising the car’s performance within these regulations.
Comparison with Teammates and Future Prospects
While Lawson is having a strong season, his situation is complex, particularly concerning his career longevity in Formula 1. His teammate, rookie Arvid Lindblad, is proving to be a close match in performance. Permane noted that Racing Bulls has “two quick guys” who are “incredibly close” in their capabilities.
Although Lindblad trails Lawson by 20 points in the championship, their pure pace is very similar. Lawson leads the qualifying head-to-head 6-5 in races where a fair comparison can be made. However, on average speed, Lindblad is slightly ahead by 0.017 seconds, which is considered impressive for a rookie.
Looking back, Isack Hadjar was seen as more impressive than Lawson in 2025, leading to Hadjar’s promotion to Red Bull over Yuki Tsunoda for the current season. Lawson had previously been demoted back to Racing Bulls after two challenging races alongside Max Verstappen at the start of 2025, where Hadjar then comfortably outperformed him.
Permane has indicated that the team’s goal is to develop drivers for Red Bull. The approach of Red Bull’s new leadership, including team principal Laurent Mekies and the incoming head of the young driver programme, Gwen Lagrue, regarding Lawson’s future remains to be seen. The Dutch Grand Prix is scheduled to take place from 21-23 August.
Source: the-race.com
Charlotte Reid 