Liam Lawson reveals mental approach amid F1 seat speculation

Liam Lawson has delivered calm, measured, and consistent performances throughout the Formula 1 season, despite the “noise” surrounding his future seat. He explained to Motorsport Week how he achieved this stability.

The Kiwi has become a constant presence in the sport over recent years, navigating difficult and intermittent periods while moving between Red Bulls’ satellite team and the main squad.

2026 marked Lawson’s first full season with Racing Bulls, although it included three appearances for the Milton Keynes-based team when Isack Hadjar was sidelined with a broken wrist.

Possibly a cathartic experience to demonstrate strong pace after being dropped by the team following just two races last season, Lawson has secured his status as a regular competitor this year.

The 24-year-old has also, like the entire grid, had to manage the new regulations that have polarised the sport, rising to the challenge effectively.

In an exclusive interview with Motorsport Week, Lawson outlined the differences in preparation between this season and the previous one, as well as the off-track structure that has proven effective for him.

“I think, it’s more just the way that 2025, the way the season started,” he said. “Obviously, I was in a different team and then didn’t have much of a pre-season. 

“Then we started the season, did a switch, and then it felt like for a long time I was playing catch-up and trying to just get a handle of where things were at. Whereas I think this year, having the pre-season with this team, [and the] new cars as well, I feel like it is a bit of a level playing field.

“At least for everyone, there’s a lot more involved in the development of the car. And being involved in that, knowing the direction that we’re going and all the sort of upgrades and stuff that we’re focused on, that’s just been a lot more [pronounced], it’s been a lot better this year, been a lot more focused. 

“And then just having more experience, knowing what works for me as a driver, learning race weekends, away from track and at track, things that just work for me, the people around me. I have a really strong group of people around me.”

Liam Lawson has delivered some stellar performances this season to lead Racing Bulls’ push toward the top of the F1 midfield.

How Liam Lawson has changed his mindset amid Tsolov speculation.

For the second consecutive season, another elephant in the room has emerged for Lawson and Racing Bulls – speculation regarding next season’s lineup.

The resurgence in form shown in the second half of 2025 saw Lawson retain his seat, pairing him with newcomer Arvid Lindblad.

However, despite his sparkling partnership with the young Brit, the rumour mill has churned once again, this time focusing on a new Red Bull junior star in the form of Formula 2 contender Nikola Tsolov.

With the season entering its final three races, Racing Bulls has yet to announce its lineup, with Lawson’s stellar performances making the decision a difficult one.

Lawson is clear: he has identified what works for him to shut out that speculation, keep his head down, and focus on the task at hand.

“I feel like each weekend recently has been very, very strong, and for me, at the moment, with the way the car is,” he said.

“I’m focused on trying to… Obviously, we’re fighting for P5 in the Constructors’, and if we do that, then I’ve done my job.

“But for me as well, I’m trying to stay on top of the midfield, so that’s just what my target is each weekend, honestly, and so I feel like there’s a lot of noise in the background, as you said, around seat selection, especially in the regular programme.”

Lawson admitted that this time last season, such noise might have affected him, but with an additional year of experience, he has been able to produce what he believes to be his most “enjoyable” Grands Prix performances.

“I would say a year ago I was probably thinking about it a lot,” he continued. “Was probably quite stressed about it at times, and wasn’t driving at my best, honestly, and I feel like this year, it’s not the same, you know? I don’t feel that same pressure or stress about it or that worry about it. 

“Yeah, I would say the second half of this year, especially the more recent races, have probably been actually the most enjoyable races I’ve had in Formula 1, and they’ve been our strongest.”

READ MORE – Liam Lawson pinpoints major Racing Bulls 2026 midfield ‘green flag’