Liam Lawson has suggested there is a chance he won't race in F1 at all next season.
Lawson was called up to RB F1 ahead of the United States Grand Prix earlier this year to replace Daniel Ricciardo.
The team indicated Lawson would finish the year without any indication of his 2025 plans.
However, Lawson is widely expected to remain on the grid next season, either with RB F1 or alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull to replace an under-pressure Sergio Perez.
But Lawson suggested he had no assurances about his place in the field next year.
“I’m very focused on the races I’m doing at the moment.”
“I know I'm being evaluated at these races. I don't know where I'll be next year, or if I'll even be in the sport.”
“Obviously I’d like to think I will be, but until I get that confirmation I’m focusing on these races.”
The New Zealander could lose his place if, for example, Franco Colapinto is brought in and Perez is demoted to RB F1, a scenario which is “seriously under consideration” according to a source at Red Bull Racing.
“Christian (Horner) absolutely wants to get his hands on the Argentinian and find a solution for Perez with his sponsors at RB F1. Negotiations continue.”
Red Bull did not promise Lawson a 2025 seat, only that he would race in 2024 in F1. But if he was excluded from the project, “it would be for political reasons” still according to this source.
“The fact that Yuki (Tsunoda) has regained control for a few races could justify the decision internally.”
Lawson defends himself and says he is satisfied with the work he has done for the team, but understands that he cannot relive a difficult event like in Las Vegas during the last two rounds.
“Overall it was pretty strong at most races. Obviously I can't have two more weekends like Vegas. We're in a good situation.”
“As far as what I’m going to do next year, I don’t know and no decision will be made on that until the end of the season.”
