Liam Lawson, who has replaced Daniel Ricciardo for the remainder of the 2024 Formula 1 season, revealed that the Australian veteran was instrumental in helping him prepare for his current opportunity, despite them technically being in competition for the same seat.
Lawson, who stepped in after Ricciardo’s recent exit following the Singapore Grand Prix, acknowledged the awkward situation but emphasized that Ricciardo always supported him within the Red Bull setup.
“I knew it would be a mixed reaction, obviously,” Lawson admitted. “It never felt like we were directly competing for the same seat, even though technically we were. Daniel never made it feel that way, and he could have chosen not to help me, but he did.”
Lawson praised Ricciardo’s approach, noting how the Australian’s support helped him develop over the past year. He appreciated Ricciardo’s professionalism, especially around the Singapore GP, where the driver switch became official.
“He’s honestly helped me a lot over the past 12 months. Even with the situation in Singapore, he was very supportive and handled it well. We both knew how it was going to play out in the media when the change happened, and that’s partly why I’ve tried to avoid my phone.”
Despite knowing that Ricciardo’s popularity would lead to mixed reactions about his own return, Lawson said he chose to focus on the tasks ahead rather than get caught up in the external noise.
“I’m not too fazed by it. I’ve got a lot to focus on with the remaining six races, and that’s where my head’s at. I don’t really have the capacity to be thinking about anything else.”
Looking ahead, Lawson acknowledged that the reality of his position will sink in as he gears up for the upcoming races, including the United States Grand Prix in Austin. He explained that staying away from social media has helped him remain focused and avoid the inevitable comparisons between him and Ricciardo.
“I think it’ll feel more real going into Austin next week. So far, I’ve tried to avoid all the social media buzz. If I were to look at everything being said online, it might feel different, but I’m doing my best to keep my focus solely on the track.”
With six races left in the season, Lawson remains determined to make the most of his opportunity and prove his worth as a capable driver within the Red Bull family, regardless of the external perceptions.
