Formula 1 has a new face on the grid, and it’s not grinning. With Daniel Ricciardo’s smile now absent, Kiwi driver Liam Lawson steps into the spotlight, ready to seize an opportunity that could define his career. After Ricciardo’s lackluster results with VCARB led to his unceremonious exit, Lawson now embarks on a six-race sprint to prove he belongs in the F1 paddock – and maybe even to lay claim to a full-time seat in 2025.
But Lawson isn’t just fighting for a spot at VCARB. There’s also a potential vacancy looming at Red Bull Racing, where Sergio Perez has been struggling mightily alongside three-time world champion Max Verstappen. With Perez’s future in doubt, a strong showing from Lawson could catapult him into consideration for one of the most coveted seats in motorsport.
Speaking ahead of the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas, Lawson didn’t mince words about his objectives. “The team is going to judge me on how I perform, and the best way to prove myself is by scoring points,” Lawson said. “That’s also what we need as a team, especially in our battle for sixth in the constructors’ championship.”
Ricciardo’s departure signals a significant shift for the team. The popular Australian, known for his charismatic antics, failed to bring the results that mattered. Despite his charm, Ricciardo’s stats were grim – just three points finishes in his last 18 races. Lawson, meanwhile, sees this as his second chance after standing in for Ricciardo last season while the veteran recovered from a broken hand.
Now, with the final six races of the 2024 season coming thick and fast over the next eight weeks, Lawson knows he must hit the ground running. The pressure is mounting, not only from the team but from the intense competition he faces in the garage.
“It’s a tough time to jump in, but I’ve been preparing,” Lawson said, acknowledging the high stakes as he steps in during a crucial part of the season.
While Lawson’s immediate focus is on his own performance, he’s well aware that the wider Red Bull team has its eyes on the battle within the garage. His teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, has been impressive this year, and the Kiwi knows the internal fight will be closely scrutinized. Last season, Lawson outpaced Tsunoda in two of the three races where both cars finished – an advantage he hopes to build on.
“Yuki has been strong, especially this season,” Lawson admitted. “He’s the benchmark. But I’ll be compared directly to him, and that’s where the team expects me to compete.”
Team principal Christian Horner has already shown faith in Lawson’s abilities, praising his adaptability and toughness. “Liam was quick right from the start last year,” Horner said on the F1 Nation podcast. “He’s a tough racer, and we know Yuki is very fast.”
Adding to the challenge, Lawson faces a significant grid penalty due to Ricciardo’s use of too many engines this season. He will likely start the race from the back, but that hasn’t dampened his determination.
Meanwhile, as Lawson gears up for his shot at redemption, his future might not just be tied to VCARB. Red Bull Racing’s struggles with Sergio Perez have been well-documented, and despite the Mexican driver’s contract extension through 2026, whispers of a change are growing louder. Perez’s lackluster performance has been a major factor in Red Bull’s recent dip in the constructors’ standings, and Lawson’s rise could coincide with a shakeup in the Red Bull garage.
With F1’s Sprint format returning this weekend in Texas, there’s no time for a slow start. If Lawson can deliver in these final races, the grid could look very different in 2025.
In other F1 news, the sport’s governing body, the FIA, announced that from next season, the point awarded for the fastest lap will be dropped. Since its introduction in 2019, the fastest lap point has occasionally played a pivotal role in the championship, but it will no longer be a factor after this year.
For now, all eyes are on Lawson. Can he make the most of this golden opportunity? With the clock ticking down and the stakes higher than ever, the New Zealander is ready to make his mark.
