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Dutch media reports Lawson to retain Formula 1 seat, Tsunoda to depart Red Bull
Sport Nation • December 2nd, 2025 12:07 pm
Photo: Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
Dutch outlet De Telegraaf says Liam Lawson is staying on the Formula 1 grid in 2026, giving the Kiwi the career lifeline he has been fighting for all season.
According to the publication, Lawson will be kept on by Red Bull, which would shut the door on Yuki Tsunoda and leave the Japanese driver without a full-time seat next year.
18-year-old Arvid Lindblad is reported to be Lawson’s new Racing Bulls teammate - with Isack Hadjar saying he has a seat for next year - which De Telegraaf reported will be with Red Bull’s top team, joining Max Verstappen.
Liam Lawson seen with Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko | Photo: Mat Coch
It caps a chaotic season for Lawson, who began the year at Red Bull before being sent back to the Racing Bulls after only two races.
His ninth-place finish in Qatar last weekend was his seventh points result of the season, nudging him up to 14th in the championship and bolstering his case at the perfect time.
The decision, if confirmed, would come as Red Bull prepares to split from Honda in 2026 and switch to its own power units with help from Ford.
Liam Lawson drives past the Sphere during qualifying for the Las Vegas Grand Prix | Photo: Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
With Honda long backing Tsunoda, De Telegraaf reports he is now being considered for a reserve role rather than a race seat.
For Lawson, it would mark a hard-earned reward after a year spent teetering on the edge of the grid but refusing to let go.
Red Bull are expected to announce their full 2026 driver lineup on Wednesday NZ Time.
