For the second time in 2023, Daniel Ricciardo makes a return to the F1 grid. Nyck De Vries’ sacking led to the 8-time Grand Prix winner returning to the sport before the Hungarian GP following his departure from McLaren at the end of 2022.
However, a hand injury picked up at Zandvoort in FP2 forced the 34-year-old to miss five straight races.
It opened the door for Liam Lawson to finally get his F1 chance. The New Zealander seized the moment as a super-sub.
Points and a Q3 appearance in Singapore was the standout moment, but he also delivered very strong and mature drives at Zandvoort, Monza and Suzuka. While Qatar wasn’t the easiest of events for him and the team, the 21-year-old showed his immense talent overall.
In the Thursday press conference ahead of the United States Grand Prix, Ricciardo was asked about the job Lawson did. He also touched on how young the Kiwi is and the time he has ahead of him.
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“Liam did a great job for sure.
“In terms of him currently not having a seat next year, it’s one of those ones where he’s young.
“It’s not like he’s at the end of his career — he’s very much in the early part of his career. Your career can be very long, so it’s not over. He’s young, he’s 21.”
Ricciardo also gave some advice to stay patient. If Lawson keeps performing like he has been doing, the Perth-born driver is certain a full-time opportunity will come in the near future.
“Just keep persisting, keep your head down. He did very well to create an opportunity for himself. If he keeps on that course, his time will come.
“We always feel as drivers and we all obviously believe in ourselves so much that you always feel like you’re ready and you’re like ‘why isn’t it happening yet’.
“I am sure he’ll find a way on the grid if he keeps up what he’s been doing.”
Kevin Magnussen returned to the sport unexpectedly in 2022 with Haas after leaving the team at the end of 2020. He was asked about that as it could be a somewhat similar scenario for Lawson.
“I don’t know what Liam’s deal is — but certainly he did a good job in those races that he did.
“All to play for for him.”
