The news that Nyck De Vries’ replacement in AlphaTauri’s Formula 1 line-up for the rest of the season would be Daniel Ricciardo did not surprise Red Bull junior Liam Lawson.
As has already happened in the past, Red Bull is not new to changes mid-season if its drivers can’t get in tune with the car and bring results.
Following his success in the current Super Formula season, Lawson has been considered among the possible candidates for the replacement of de Vries. The Dutch driver has in fact been struggling since the beginning of 2023.
However, the choice ended up as Daniel Ricciardo, who will make his comeback in Formula 1, with AlphaTauri deciding to opt for an experienced driver to help the team to recover from the current low performance. They sit last in the Constructors’ Championship.
Lawson is very determined to finish his season in Super Formula, as he explains to Motorsport.com ahead of tomorrow’s latest round at Fuji Speedway, trying to make the most of this opportunity to prove to Red Bull that it is a viable option for the 2024 line-up at AlphaTauri.
“I always wanted to complete the season here [in Super Formula]. My goal was to get a seat for next year.
“To jump in mid-season would have been extremely tough, and in AlphaTauri’s position, they were wanting someone experienced who has been in Formula 1 for a long time. So I understand their decision.
“But this [Super Formula] is what I am focused on. Any shot I have at Formula 1 rides on how I do here. So I have to complete the year in the best way possible, and try to win this championship, which is what will give me the chance.
“I need to make sure I do everything I can to give myself the best opportunity. And then, if it doesn’t happen, I can say there’s nothing more I could have done.”
In the hypothesis that Marko will be interested in giving a seat to Lawson, the arrival of Ricciardo means the only one that could be available would be the seat currently occupied by Yuki Tsunoda.
Regarding this possibility, the Kiwi commented:
“I just need a seat, and whoever’s seat it is, I don’t really care!
“I am just focused on this, it’s what [Red Bull] has told me to focus on as well. The expectation is for me to go and win the championship, and then we’ll discuss it.”
Having served as Red Bull reserve driver since the middle of the 2022 season, the Junior driver says he feels ready to take the big step in Formula 1 and is determined to get it.
“I’m the reserve driver this year, by the end of the year I will have been the reserve for nearly two seasons.
“I’m ready for Formula 1, I want a seat. I will focus on doing the best job here so I can get that. And beyond that, it’s out of my control.”
Lawson is currently second in the standings of the Japanese series, after a memorable debut win at Fuji in April and a second podium at Autopolis. Ahead of this weekend’s race in Fuji, the Kiwi qualified second behind former F2 driver Tadasuke Makino. He’s currently 10 points adrift of the championship leader.
Photo credit: Red Bull Content Pool
