Racing
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Sport Nation
Olympics
Motorsport
Netball
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
FWC on Sport Nation guide'Zero truth': Lawson's form silences exit talk as Red Bull dismisses rumours
Sport Nation • June 30th, 2026 3:43 pm
Liam Lawson | Photo: Photosport
Speculation that Kiwi driver Liam Lawson could be replaced at Racing Bulls next season have been firmly dismissed, with suggestions of a looming driver change described as having “zero truth”.
Speculation emerged in the lead-up to the Austrian Grand Prix after Spanish outlet SoyMotor claimed Lawson was set to lose his seat next year to Red Bull Formula 2 driver Nikola Tsolov.
But those suggestions have now been strongly rejected, with sources close to both Racing Bulls and the wider Red Bull organisation reportedly denying any such discussions are taking place.
"I can tell you categorically, there is zero truth to that," PlanetF1.com editor Matt Coch told Sport Nation Mornings.
"I have it on good authority from both Racing Bulls and Red Bull as a whole that there is no conversation there whatsoever."
Coch said the claim gained limited traction in the paddock, with the rumour reportedly treated more as a curiosity than a credible talking point during race weekend.
"None of the reputable publications touched it for good reason,” the response continued. “It became a bit of a joke in the paddock."
Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad celebrate their points finish at Red Bull Ring | Photo: Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
The denial comes as Lawson continues to build one of the strongest runs of his Formula 1 career.
The New Zealander finished ninth in Austria, matching his starting position and again coming home ahead of teammate Arvid Lindblad.
He has now scored points in four consecutive races — the first New Zealand driver to do so since Denny Hulme in 1973.
Of the seven races he has finished this season, Lawson has scored points in six.
"He followed team orders to the letter," Coch said in a glowing review of Lawson's drive in Austria. "He was asked to conserve his brakes in the middle part of the race, which is what he did.
"Liam's in a rich vein of form at the moment. The confidence has come back, the swagger is there, he’s very, very comfortable.
"Twelve months ago we were talking about, is Liam going to see out the season? This year I don’t think there’s any question at all. I think he’s already booked his place on the grid for next year.”
Listen to the full interview below:
