Racing Bulls have confirmed Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad will be retained for the 2027 Formula 1 season.
Lawson’s future appeared to be in doubt earlier this month as Racing Bulls and parent team Red Bull pondered whether to replace the New Zealander with Formula 2 championship contender Nikola Tsolov.
But Lawson has retained his seat for next year, with three races left in what has comfortably been his best season in F1 so far.
The 24-year-old is the top-scoring driver from one of the grid’s midfield teams and sits ninth in the Drivers’ Championship on 89 points. Lawson has scored points in 15 races, three of which he spent at Red Bull in place of an injured Isack Hadjar.
Lindblad, meanwhile, has enjoyed a strong rookie season with the 19-year-old scoring 38 points.
Lawson and Lindblad’s consistent points scoring has put Red Bull’s junior team on course for their highest Constructors’ Championship placing of fifth. They are 45 points ahead of Alpine and unlikely to be overhauled in the rounds that remain.
Alan Permane, Racing Bulls’ team principal, said: “We’re delighted to be continuing with Liam and Arvid for 2027. Both have demonstrated their ability and potential throughout the season, and we’ve seen the progress they’ve made, both individually and as a pairing.
“I have no doubt that this is the best driver line-up for us, bringing a strong combination of experience and ambition. Together, we have a solid foundation to build on the progress made this year, continue pushing ourselves forward and take the next step towards achieving our ambitions in 2027.”
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Lawson, who would almost certainly have dropped off the grid had he not been retained given the dearth of alternative seats left elsewhere, said he was “very happy” to be staying on for what will be his third full season in F1.
“We’ve had a brilliant season together and the team has worked very hard to produce a fast car, which I’ve loved driving. It feels great to be part of a historic season for the team as we continue our fight for P5 in the Constructors’ Championship,” said Lawson.
It’s a testament to the hard work of everyone both at track, and back at the factory. I’m looking forward to carrying this moment forward with Arvid through to 2027; we’re building something super positive and I’m excited by what we can achieve together.”
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Lindblad added: “Looking back on my first season in Formula 1, it’s been a truly special year, full of new experiences and learnings since the very first pre-season test. I’d like to thank everyone at VCARB and Red Bull for their trust and support.
“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone in the team for their hard work, commitment and collaboration throughout the season, and for the strong relationships we’ve built along the way. I can’t wait to get started next year, building on everything I’ve learned during my rookie season. It’s set to be an exciting year, and I look forward to continuing to drive alongside Liam.”
Formula 1 next hits The Strip for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1 from November 20-22. Stream Sky Sports with NOW