In a stunning revelation, Liam Lawson has disclosed that he knew about Red Bull’s decision to place him at VCARB as Daniel Ricciardo’s replacement nearly two weeks before the official announcement. This bombshell meant that during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, where he was on reserve duties, Lawson was fully aware it would be Ricciardo’s final race before the 22-year-old Kiwi would take over the seat for the upcoming US Grand Prix in Austin.
Lawson opened up to New Zealand’s Newstalk ZB radio station, describing the intense emotions he experienced while watching the media relentlessly press Ricciardo about his uncertain future. “Not good, honestly,” Lawson admitted. “Singapore was definitely not an enjoyable weekend for me, just because obviously we all knew what was sort of coming.”
The young driver went on to highlight the professionalism and support Ricciardo showed him, even when the veteran driver’s career was on the line. “Daniel has always been very good to me, in a lot of ways—when I drove last year and even this season. I’ve never felt in competition with him or anything like that; he never made it feel like that,” Lawson stated, revealing the camaraderie between them despite the high stakes.
Reflecting on the bittersweet situation, Lawson expressed his gratitude for the opportunity but also acknowledged the difficult position it put Ricciardo in. “It wasn’t a nice feeling, but obviously, this, for me, is… I get one shot at F1, and it’s come now. I’m obviously grateful for that opportunity, but I now need to take it with both hands. At the same time, he’s said the same thing to me, and he said, ‘You need to make the most of it.’” The young driver’s candidness painted a picture of both excitement and empathy.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Lawson praised Ricciardo’s poise throughout his final weekend in the pinnacle of motorsport. “He did a very good job on the weekend, honestly. I have a huge amount of respect for how he dealt with everything,” Lawson remarked. He further highlighted how much pressure Ricciardo faced, noting the intense media scrutiny that the Australian driver expertly navigated. “I can’t really imagine what that… It’s a similar position I was in last year,” he said, alluding to his own experience in 2023 when he knew he would have to step aside despite his impressive debut.
As Lawson prepares to drive for VCARB in the final six races of the 2024 F1 season, he remains grounded about his future beyond this opportunity. While the spotlight shines brightly on his debut, he insists that his position with the team in 2025 is still unconfirmed. With the stakes higher than ever, all eyes are on Lawson to see if he can seize this once-in-a-lifetime chance and prove he’s worthy of a permanent spot on the grid.
