Saturday morning Japanese time came the confirmation that Liam Lawson will not be driving for AlphaTauri in 2024. The New Zealander will stay on as reserve driver for the Red Bull and AlphaTauri teams.
In their press release, AlphaTauri stated that “the youngest driver on the grid in Suzuka this weekend, 21-year-old, Liam Lawson has been more than impressive in Japan’s Super Formula, currently lying second in the championship with one round remaining.
“He has already impressed in Formula 1 by scoring points after only two races completed with Scuderia AlphaTauri as a last-minute reserve for the injured Daniel Ricciardo and will provide valuable contribution to both teams in reserve for the 2024 season.”
Speaking on Sky Sports F1 ahead of qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, Christian Horner stated that Lawson will eventually get a full-time opportunity in the pinnacle of Motorsport.
“It’s only a matter of time before he gets his opportunity and full-time chance.
“I think he certainly turned heads and gave us something to think about, in particular following his Singapore drive.
“He’s doing everything possible to justify a case for a full-time drive, but unfortunately three into two doesn’t go.”
Is 2025 the year the door opens for Lawson?
Respected F1 insider Jeppe Olesen wrote on Twitter that “word is that Lawson has agreed to a reserve/simulator role in 2024, in exchange for a contractual obligation for Red Bull or AlphaTauri to give him a race seat in 2025.”
When he got the unexpected opportunity to replace Daniel Ricciardo following the hand injury for the Australian at the Dutch Grand Prix, the 21-year-old has been incredibly impressive in his four race weekends to date.
Scoring his first points in the brutally hot conditions of Singapore, as well as just missing out on Q3 at Monza and Suzuka, has left the Formula 1 world wanting to see more of the young Kiwi.
Not making any serious blunders to date is in contrast to Logan Sargeant’s nightmare run of form at Williams. AlphaTauri also praised the New Zealander for his calmness and feedback on Friday.
He’s already been a multiple race winner in Formula 2, Formula 3, DTM and Super Formula.
It’s hardly surprising Red Bull are guaranteeing him a seat in one of their teams after the job he has done since substituting for Ricciardo, and it’s important for them to do so as Williams could have shown interest in him if they lose patience with the erratic Sargeant.
Lawson deserves a full-time chance in F1. It looks like 2025 will be it.
Photo credit: Red Bull Content Pool
