Laurent Mekies clarified his position on rumors about Liam Lawson’s future. The Red Bull team principal stated that the Racing Bulls team must make the final call on whether to keep the New Zealander for the 2027 season. Mekies told reporters in Sao Paulo that he does not hold the power to force a decision on the driver lineup.
This separation of power comes after weeks of uncertainty for Lawson. He has been the standout performer in the midfield, scoring 89 points this year. That total is more than double what any other driver in the middle pack has achieved. His recent form in Brazil saw him finish seventh, beating established stars like Nico Hulkenberg by a significant margin.
The Power Shift Away From Old Guard
The situation highlights a major change in how Red Bull handles its junior drivers. Former bosses Christian Horner and Helmut Marko used to have a heavy hand in these choices, but they are no longer in those roles. Mekies insists that the old days of outside interference are over. He explained the distinction between offering a view and holding the actual authority.
“There is a difference between giving an opinion and having to make a call. I don’t have to make a call,” Mekies said. This comment suggests that the pressure now sits squarely on the Racing Bulls leadership. The team principal Alan Permane has been supportive of Lawson, but the final say belongs to the organization running the car.
Mekies praised Lawson’s performance on the track while refusing to dictate the outcome. He noted that Lawson has taken a massive step forward compared to his return a year ago. The Frenchman described the New Zealander’s recent weekend as a perfect example of his current strength.
Why The Decision Matters Now
A final decision is expected at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Reports from Motorsport.com indicate that Lawson is likely to stay, with rival Nikola Tsolov potentially moving to a reserve role. Tsolov was the favorite earlier in the year, but his form has dipped after a strong start. Lawson’s consistency has made him the safer bet for the team.
Keeping Lawson would provide a solid benchmark for the young rookie Lindblad. According to reports, a source Motorsport.com confirms is reliable, Lawson is now expected to remain in his current position. Lawson’s expected retention would reward a driver who has fought for his seat since 2023. He has effectively been battling for his future every single race weekend since arriving.
Alan Permane recently signed a new deal to lead Racing Bulls through 2031, which gives his opinion significant weight. Oliver Mintzlaff, the corporate projects boss, praised Permane’s job and noted that the team’s progress reflects his experience. With Permane in charge and Mekies stepping back, the path for Lawson looks much clearer.
