Jenson Button has backed Liam Lawson for an extended future in F1 with Racing Bulls. The 2009 F1 champion supports the New Zealander to retain his seat amid speculation that the team could consider promoting Formula 2 standout Nikola Tsolov.
According to Button, Lawson’s consistency and experience make him the safer option for Racing Bulls.
“They obviously have the junior Tsolov coming through in F2, second in the championship, doing an amazing job,” Button said on Saturday. “But he’s also had inconsistencies through his years.”
“Maybe the team is excited about getting young new talent in the team, but I think Liam’s job this year has been really good. He’s been very consistent.”
Tsolvo has emerged as a potential candidate for a future F1 opportunity after an impressive campaign in F2, where he currently sits second in the championship standings. He also made his F1 practice debut in FP1 at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix, driving Lawson’s VCARB 03.
Why Jenson Button Picked Liam Lawson Over Tsolov
Button believes Lawson is the one who can earn points for Racing Bulls over exciting talent Tsolov.
“They know what they’re getting with Liam, whereas with Tsolov, they don’t,” Button said. “So maybe they’re excited about that. I don’t know. But if they’re there to score points at the moment, I would say Liam’s your guy.”
Liam Lawson, who is competing in his second season with Racing Bulls, is fighting for his 2027 spot against two other drivers – current teammate Arvid Lindblad and Tsolov.
Racing Bulls has yet to announce its two-driver lineup for next year, with three drivers competing for two available seats.
Liam Lawson Apologises to Max Verstappen After Mexico GP Collision
The New Zealander was also involved in an on-track clash with Verstappen during FP2 at the Mexico City GP on Friday. The pair made contact in the stadium section, damaging both cars and bringing out a red flag.
Afterwards, the four-time world champion criticised Lawson’s behavior, suggesting that the incident was particularly unwise given his uncertain F1 future.
Ahead of Saturday sessions, the 24-year-old Lawson took responsibility for the incident and revealed that he had approached his former Red Bull teammate to apologise.
“I went to see Max to apologise because what happened doesn’t need to happen,” Lawson told the media. “I don’t want to have that happen in the future. Obviously, right now, it’s not the best time, so yeah, it’s been a tricky day, honestly.”
“But I’m happy to drive the car. At the moment, I just like driving the car.”
Verstappen and Lawson have worked as teammates for three races in 2026 and for two races in 2025.
Despite qualifying eighth and dropping a place to ninth because of the one-place grid penalty, Liam Lawson was disqualified from qualifying due to a technical breach.
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