Nov.3 (GMM) Liam Lawson’s Formula 1 future appears increasingly uncertain after Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer stopped short of backing the New Zealander for 2027.
Speaking on ORF, Bayer instead praised Nikola Tsolov’s Mexico FP1 appearance and stressed Racing Bulls’ role as a development team.
“To be honest, Nikola performed brilliantly on Friday,” he said.
“It was his first time in the car, and he’s fit into the team absolutely perfectly.”
When asked whether Lawson had done enough to prove the seat should remain his, Bayer replied: “Well, absolutely. That’s the general opinion in the paddock.”
But he immediately added: “At the same time, our role as the leading talent development team in Formula 1 is to constantly develop new drivers.”
“In total, we’ve brought 22 drivers into Formula 1, including the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Verstappen, and others.”
Bayer said the final decision rests with team principal Alan Permane.
“We discussed this briefly yesterday,” he revealed.
The comments come after Lawson’s controversial clash with Max Verstappen in Mexico, although Lawson’s emotional demeanour after Sunday’s race has also raised speculation that he may already know his fate.
“It’s been a very tough weekend, to be honest,” Lawson told Viaplay.
“What happened on Friday was not ideal. I have already said that I will learn from this. I never intended it would have such a big impact.”
When asked when he expected news about his future, Lawson paused before answering simply: “I don’t know.”
Viaplay analyst and former F1 tester Ho-Pin Tung said Lawson’s expression reminded him of the period immediately before his demotion from Red Bull last year.
“The same facial expression that I saw then, I saw again,” he said.
“It could very well be that he already knows more.”
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience the thrill of the Canadian Grand Prix with Grand Prix Tours! Feel the excitement of Formula 1 as the world's best drivers battle it out on Montreal's iconic Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Explore the vibrant city, enjoy unforgettable race weekend experiences, and soak up the electric atmosphere. Make your Canadian Grand Prix getaway one to remember with our exclusive travel packages. Secure your spot today!
SHOW PACKAGES