Liam Lawson opens up about the rollercoaster journey back to the F1 grid, targeting consistent performance to secure his spot.
- After wowing everyone in 2023, Lawson faced uncertainty before Red Bull called him back to finish the 2024 season.
- Replacing a struggling Daniel Ricciardo, Lawson sees this as his audition for a 2025 F1 grid spot.
- Despite the stress, Lawson trusted Red Bull’s promise as he was asked to rival his teammate Yuki Tsunoda.
- Scoring points for the team is crucial, with aspirations to help clinch sixth place in the championship standings.
Liam Lawson’s journey back to the Formula 1 grid has been anything but straightforward. After an impressive debut in 2023, filling in for an injured Daniel Ricciardo, Lawson found himself in a limbo of uncertainty for much of 2024. Although Red Bull had initially chosen experience over youth by opting for Ricciardo alongside Yuki Tsunoda, Lawson’s opportunity arrived when Ricciardo couldn’t meet expectations. The anticipation surrounding this driver swap reached its peak at the Singapore Grand Prix, where Lawson was given the chance to prove his worth for the rest of the season.
Navigating the high-stakes world of Formula 1 is no easy feat, especially when you’re not sure if you’ll be back in the driver’s seat. Lawson candidly admitted to moments of doubt, saying, “I had faith, but it was a long time… there were points where maybe I didn’t have complete faith or I was starting to stress.” The fluctuation in opportunities meant that from one weekend to the next, circumstances could change rapidly depending on how other drivers performed. He reflected on the more challenging times earlier in the year when testing opportunities were sparse and conversations about his return were infrequent. However, as testing increased and discussions became more regular, his confidence rebounded, albeit with lingering anxiety over the availability of other teams’ seats.
As the season progressed, the pressure for Lawson mounted not only to perform but to outperform his teammate Yuki Tsunoda, the only direct comparison Red Bull could make. Lawson articulated the team’s expectations, stating that performance was key, especially when trying to earn points against a backdrop of fierce competition. Securing P9 finishes in Austin and Brazil showcased his potential, yet the task of helping Red Bull achieve their championship goal of sixth place remains.
Lawson’s realistic shot at a 2025 seat hinges largely on these performances as Red Bull evaluates its lineup. The team stresses the need for Lawson to match or exceed Tsunoda’s output in each race, with Lawson seeing every lap as an audition. Despite the tension and stress, the Kiwi driver remains focused on performing and proving that he deserves a long-term place on the F1 grid.
Liam Lawson’s return to the F1 grid with Red Bull underscores the high stakes and demands for performance, as he navigates the path to securing his future.
