Liam Lawson Faces Uncertain Red Bull F1 Future Amid Marko Silence After Career-Best Baku Finish

Liam Lawson achieved a career-best fifth place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, impressing by qualifying third and holding off teammate Yuki Tsunoda. Despite this strong performance, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has not reached out to congratulate him, as Marko typically only contacts drivers after poor performances. Lawson's future in Formula 1 remains uncertain, with no confirmed contract for the 2026 season; he faces competition for a Racing Bulls seat from F2 driver Arvid Lindblad and others. Lawson started 2025 with Red Bull but was demoted after two rounds and has since been outperformed by rookie Isack Hadjar in the junior squad. He acknowledges the pressure to consistently perform to secure his place and is focused on maintaining momentum through upcoming races like the Singapore Grand Prix. Red Bull aims to finalize its 2026 driver line-ups by the end of October, with Max Verstappen's seat secure but others still in contention.