Lawson confirmed he received no guarantee about keeping his Racing Bulls drive for 2027.
He sits as the top midfield finisher, trailing only Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull in the standings.
At 24, he amassed over double the points of rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad and capped his weekend with a seventh‑place finish in Mexico after starting from the pit lane.
Racing Bulls remain the only team yet to name its 2027 line‑up, and Lawson’s seat appears threatened by Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov.
“In Mexico I gave it everything. There’s definitely no assurance at the moment for next year. It’s a tough sport. I really have nothing more to add,” he said.
Bulgarian Tsolov, a Red Bull favourite, is battling for the Formula 2 title in his debut season after finishing runner‑up in Formula 3 last year.
The 19‑year‑old logged his first F1 practice run in Mexico, trailing Lindblad by just a tenth, impressing chief executive Peter Bayer.
“Honestly, his Friday run was superb. First time in the car and he blended in perfectly,” Bayer told Austrian outlet ORF.
“His performance was fantastic. The final call rests with team principal Alan Permane, who will announce it when the time is right,” Bayer added.
When asked if Lawson has done all he can, Bayer replied, “That’s the general consensus in the paddock.”
“At the same time, our role as the leading developer of talent in Formula 1 is to keep bringing fresh drivers through. We’ve introduced 22 drivers, including Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. For my money, Lawson deserves a renewed contract,” Bayer explained.
“So the decision ultimately lies with Alan, and he’ll choose what’s best for the team. We touched on that briefly on Saturday,” he said.
What else is left to play out in the F1 driver market for 2027?
Even after signing a multi‑year deal earlier this year, Valtteri Bottas’ future at Cadillac remains uncertain.
Cadillac are eager for Formula 2 star Colton Herta to earn a super licence, paving his way to a full‑time F1 seat.
The team has run Herta in five practice sessions, leaving him just one point shy of the required total.
Cadillac will field Herta again in first practice at the São Paulo Grand Prix, where a 100 km run will net another point.
“It’s crucial for Cadillac to have an American driver. We race under an American flag,” team principal Marcin Budkowski said.
“Our American identity is growing, especially after Austin. An American driver adds excitement,” he added.
“Timing matters too – the right driver when the team is ready. We’re still assessing,” he concluded.
Last month, Haas announced Formula 2 leader Rafael Camara will replace Esteban Ocon next season, but Oliver Bearman’s seat stayed unconfirmed.
Both Bearman and Haas boss Ayao Komatsu have voiced confidence that a deal to extend the 21‑year‑old’s contract, expiring end of 2026, is near.
“There are background items we’re sorting, but staying with Haas is my goal. We’re finalising a few details,” Bearman said.
When pressed about the delay, Bearman insisted a deal would be done by now if it were up to him.
“It’s not in my hands. If it were, it would have been announced long ago,” he added.
“But larger issues are still being worked on,” he noted.
Komatsu slammed rumors that Bearman’s extension is stalled over a £5 million salary demand.
“I have no idea where that comes from,” he said.
“I’ve seen similar gossip this season. People claim there’s no smoke without fire, but many just invent stories,” he remarked.
“What about Miami? Supposedly I argued with Esteban Ocon. There’s zero truth, and those claiming insider info are spouting nonsense,” he said.
“I first saw the six‑million‑euro figure on Instagram, then Stu Morrison forwarded it. It’s just another baseless rumor,” he added.
“I have no comment because it’s far from the truth. Why indulge in such nonsense? What’s the point?”
Thursday November 5
5pm: Drivers’ Press Conference
8pm: Paddock Uncut
Friday November 6
3pm: Sao Paulo Grand Prix Practice One (session starts at 3.30pm)*
5.30pm: Team Bosses’ Press Conference
6.45pm: Sao Paulo Grand Prix Practice Two (session starts at 7pm)
8.15pm: The F1 Show
Saturday November 7
2.15pm: Sao Paulo Grand Prix Practice Three (session starts at 2.30pm)*
5pm: Sao Paulo Grand Prix Qualifying build-up
6pm: SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING
8pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday November 8
3.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Sao Paulo GP build-up
5pm: THE SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX*
7pm: Chequered Flag: Sao Paulo City GP reaction
8pm: Ted’s Notebook