Liam Lawson is cementing himself as the best of the rest in Formula 1 in 2026, but he has not quite got the package to fight the top four teams.

The Racing Bulls driver is sitting ninth in the standings behind the Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren drivers. Lawson added to his tally at the United States Grand Prix, finishing a strong P9.

Alan Permane was stunned by Lawson’s performance, bringing home another haul of points for the Faenza outfit. With 77 points to his name, the 24-year-old has been pivotal for the team sitting P5 in the constructors’ championship.

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Liam Lawson says downforce is the ‘biggest thing’ Racing Bulls lack to battle the top four F1 teams

Racing Bulls are 33 points clear of Alpine in sixth, but they are 253 points behind sister team Red Bull and McLaren.

They have not got the package to properly challenge the top four teams, and when asked by Juan Pablo Montoya what Racing Bulls are ‘missing’ to make that step, Lawson admits that the VCARB 02 needs more load.

Asked after the United States GP on F1TV what the ‘number one thing’ is that they need, he replied: “Downforce. Honestly, just more load, I think is the biggest thing. If we had more load everywhere, obviously in this category, that’s what you need.

“But I think the main thing for us that we’re doing very well is optimising our package. Every weekend we have, no matter where we start, we always seem to get to quali and really execute and extract everything out of it.

“And the balance, and I drove two different cars this year, and I can say that the balance in this car is very, very strong.”

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Despite his impressive results in 2026, Lawson’s future is still uncertain. His contract with Racing Bulls is up at the end of the season, and with Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov showing strong potential in F2, the team have a dilemma for 2027.

Martin Brundle says dropping Lawson would be ‘cruel’, especially given the progress he has made over the past few months. He has dramatically turned around his form after losing his Red Bull seat two races into the 2025 season.

Lawson told ‘friends’ he was considering leaving F1 during this period, but he has managed to rebuild himself into a solid midfield driver. Racing Bulls have seen the progression he has made, and his experience will also be valuable.

Should the team sign Tsolov, however, the New Zealander is searching around for his next opportunity. Reports suggest Lawson has contacted Cadillac over a 2027 seat, with Valtteri Bottas under pressure to stay in the sport.