Source: Official Team Post via X
Steiner Advises Liam Lawson to Seek Opportunities Beyond Red Bull
Guenther Steiner believes Liam Lawson has the potential to win a Formula 1 world championship, but advises he may need to leave the Red Bull family to achieve it. Despite Lawson's strong performance with Racing Bulls, Steiner doubts a promotion to Red Bull's senior team is on the cards.
Liam Lawson has showcased the kind of talent that could lead to a Formula 1 world championship, but Guenther Steiner suggests his path to the top won't involve sticking with the Red Bull family. According to Steiner, Red Bull is unlikely to promote Lawson to their main team again, and Racing Bulls isn't currently among the top four teams.
With three races left in the current championship, Lawson sits comfortably as 'best of the rest' in the Drivers' standings, boasting over double the points of Pierre Gasly in ninth place. The New Zealander has accumulated 89 points, aided by a consistent run that includes a five-race points streak with four P7 finishes. Despite this, Lawson's future with Racing Bulls remains uncertain as the team weighs their options between him and Red Bull Formula 2 driver Nikola Tsolov for the 2027 season. Arvid Lindblad's seat, however, seems secure.
Steiner is confident that Racing Bulls will keep Lawson for the next season, but he advises the 24-year-old to explore other options afterward, as a rise through the Red Bull ranks seems unlikely. Lawson had a brief stint with Red Bull's senior team last year during the F1 2025 championship, but was demoted after only two races. He returned for a three-race stint this year as a stand-in for the injured Isack Hadjar, who has since been confirmed for next season.
Speaking to New Zealand's MoreFM, Steiner commented, "Yes, I think they will stick with him next year. But then, I think Liam needs to find his way out of the Red Bull family. If he doesn't go to the main team, he can't be world champion."
Steiner acknowledges Lawson's potential, stating, "In the right car, he can be world champion. There are many drivers with similar talent, but it's about being in the right team at the right time." Lawson has proven his capabilities with Racing Bulls, consistently outperforming teams not in the top four. However, Steiner believes for Lawson to truly reach his potential, he needs to be driving for one of the top four teams.