Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls Photo: JAKUB PORZYCKI / AFP
New Zealand Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson admits the discussions with Red Bull about his future have been intense.
Lawson heads into round 18 in Singapore this weekend with some form on his side but the speculation about his career remained the main talking point in the paddock as he arrived at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
The 23-year-old Lawson was asked if he knew anything about his future.
"Not much," he told media on the eve of the Singapore weekend.
"We obviously want this to last as long as possible, I'm well aware that in Formula 1 things can change very quickly."
What has changed is that Lawson is now a consistent top 10 contender.
He is enjoying a good run of form which has him 13th in the Drivers' Championship.
Lawson had his best ever F1 result at the last outing in Azerbaijan with a third in qualifying and a fifth place finish.
New Zealand F1 driver Liam Lawson. Photo: MPS AGENCY / PHOTOSPORT
He has picked up 16 points in the last seven races and combined with teammate Isack Hadjar's efforts they've helped Racing Bulls up to sixth in the Constructors' Championship.
Racing Bulls have praised the young Kiwi for his recent performances, but what about the discussions behind the scenes with the Red Bull hierarchy?
"The chats are the same, perform, perform under pressure and that is something I've got used to doing.
"The discussions can be intense but it's about coming away knowing what is going to make a difference and secure me in Formula 1 next year, and that is results."
It is likely that Hadjar is in line to join Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2026, while Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda and F2 driver Arvid Lindblad will battle for the two Racing Bulls seats.
So nothing has changed for Lawson, points are what he and his team need over the next seven races.
"You can have a great weekend and all the way up to the last lap of the race something can happen and it ruins it.
"We're just trying to keep our heads down and stay consistent.
"In terms of next year and my future situation it's not something I'm really thinking about."
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
