Having put in some strong performances this year, the idea of Liam Lawson not being on the Formula 1 grid next year seems highly unfair, but such is the cutthroat nature of F1.

As we draw closer and closer to the end of the season, drivers without a guaranteed seat for 2027 face a nervous few weeks. While many teams have already confirmed their plans, Racing Bulls have yet to reveal who will partner Arvid Lindblad next term, leaving Lawson in limbo.

With the top eight positions in the Drivers' Championship all but guaranteed to be filled by drivers for Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull or McLaren, the best that most of the grid can hope for is to be the best of the rest.

Prior to Sunday's United States Grand Prix, Lawson occupied ninth spot in the standings. To many, there is nothing more that the New Zealander needs to do to prove himself.

Racing Bulls, though, don't agree.

Racing Bulls Yet to Commit to Lawson For 2027

The driver who is being eyed up to replace Lawson for next year is Bulgarian driver Nikola Tsolov. With Lawson being five years Tsolov's senior, it has been speculated that those in charge are looking to future-proof their team with two young drivers who could one day make the jump up to Red Bull if they develop as hoped.

While Racing Bulls could yet change course and offer Lawson a lifeline, but the Kiwi's management have become increasingly proactive about looking for alternatives to avoid their man being forced to sit on the sidelines next year.

Lawson's Agent 'in Touch' With Rival F1 Team

Per Racing News 365, Team Lawson are already 'in touch' with Cadillac about potentially replacing Valtteri Bottas.

Despite the fact that there is a contract in place for Bottas to remain at Cadillac for 2027, the Finn's performances this year have not been at the same level as his teammate Sergio Perez. This could open the door for a move to the US constructor for Lawson next year.

Although Cadillac are clearly open to discussing the possibility, they intend to wait until the last moment to decide their 2027 driver line-up, with their owners ‘still considering' American prodigy Colton Herta as another possible option to replace Bottas.

With just 22 seats available on the grid for 2027, Lawson's only two options for next term appear to be Racing Bulls or Cadillac. If neither offer him a deal, he may be forced out of the sport, despite being one of the more consistent drivers in 2026.