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Live sport on SN this weekend'You have to stand out': World champion weighs in on Liam Lawson’s uncertain F1 future
Sport Nation • October 1st, 2026 4:06 pm
Liam Lawson | Photo: Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
As Liam Lawson's future in Formula One remains uncertain, former world champion Damon Hill urges the 24-year-old needs to stand out from his rivals.
With the 2027 grid almost complete, only Racing Bulls and Haas are yet to confirm their driver lineup.
Hill believes talent alone is not enough to secure a seat in such a competitive field.
“I think the thing with Formula One is it's a lot more difficult than you think and what they're looking for is something exceptional,” he told Sport Nation Mornings.
“You have to stand out and that's the hard thing. They're all good in F1, but to stand out is really hard.
“I'm not saying that he's not shown it or not tried to show it or hasn't got it. I think a lot of drivers have it, but they don't realise they have it," he explained.
“It's 22 seats and there's a bit of push and shove.”
Liam Lawson is different gravy | Scotty & Izzy
He pointed to the relentless drive to win that he sees in some of the sport’s biggest names.
“It's this 100% all-encompassing, urgency to win. You see it in Max, you see it in Lewis and these guys Schumacher and Senna. They need to win.”
Lawson has come through the Red Bull system, and Hill reflected on the challenges drivers can face when their careers are closely tied to a team.
“I think that it's very difficult for the Red Bull drivers, that whole career has nearly been supported by Red Bull, so they're kind of indebted to them. They're kind of inducted into that world and it's very difficult to breach it.
“I've never been in the Red Bull camp, but I mean when someone's paid for your whole racing career, then it's pretty difficult to then get out of those agreements and say, ‘oh, I've got to break out.’”
Liam Lawson and Racing Bulls teammate Arvid Lindblad | Photo: Antonin Vincent/DPPI
With just eight grand prix events remaining this season, including Bahrain this weekend, Hill urged Lawson needs to make the most of every opportunity.
“Let's say this could be your last season, how would you feel if you had a chance and you didn't show you the best of yourself.”
Listen to the full interview below:
