Lawson classified seventh in São Paulo as Racing Bulls seat remains uncertain

Liam Lawson was classified seventh in São Paulo after Charles Leclerc was penalised post-race, capping a race in which the Racing Bulls driver briefly ran second. His seat for 2027 remained unconfirmed.

Lawson had qualified fifth on Saturday, but penalties for other drivers moved him to third on the grid. A good start and Lando Norris’s poor launch put him behind only Kimi Antonelli on the opening lap.

The opening stint then turned against him. His intermediate tyres were soon past their best, and he fell behind Norris, Isack Hadjar, George Russell and Max Verstappen. As the race moved onto slicks, Oscar Piastri and Russell also passed him. Lawson said he thought his tyres were suffering more damage than rivals’ and felt the car’s pace in the dry was acceptable.

Rain returned in the closing laps, and Lawson hoped to hold seventh on the road. He lost out to Leclerc in a late fight that included contact at Turn 12, crossing the line eighth. The stewards ruled the move illegal and penalised Leclerc, promoting Lawson back to seventh.

His points extended Racing Bulls’ advantage over Alpine in the fight for fifth. Lawson called the car very strong but said he was taking nothing for granted.

Team boss Alan Permane had promised a decision soon on the 2027 line-up. Lawson said he appreciated the support he had received in recent weeks, adding: “I would love it if it was more from a team!” He also said Permane had been supportive and that he had enjoyed working with Racing Bulls this year. For now, he said, he would keep driving and see what happened.