Liam Lawson has been handed a golden opportunity to prove himself in Formula 1 as he replaces Daniel Ricciardo at RB for the remaining six races of the 2024 season. The New Zealander, who excelled as a stand-in driver for RB’s sister team last year, revealed that he learned of his promotion two weeks before the official announcement.
Lawson will team up with Yuki Tsunoda for the rest of the season, as he aims to secure a permanent seat with RB for 2025. His previous strong performances with the Faenza-based squad weren’t enough to land him a full-time drive last term, but Red Bull’s decision to axe Ricciardo before the season’s end has given Lawson a second chance.
Lawson: “I Knew About the Promotion Weeks Ago”
Lawson disclosed that he was informed of his return to the F1 grid before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. “It finally does feel real,” Lawson told the New Zealand Herald. “I knew about it for the last two weeks, but until it’s out there to the world, it doesn’t ever really feel set in stone. I couldn’t tell anybody.”
The 21-year-old added, “It had been the plan for a long time. There was a contract date that needed to be fulfilled, and a couple of weeks ago, they told me this is what was going to happen.”
Tension in Singapore as Driver Swap Looms
Lawson admitted that the atmosphere in the RB garage during the Singapore GP was tense as the team prepared for the mid-season driver change. “Singapore was definitely not an enjoyable weekend for me,” he said. “We all knew what was coming.”
Despite the awkward circumstances, Lawson praised Ricciardo for his professionalism and support. “Daniel has always been very good to me. Even when I drove last year and this season, he’s always been someone I’ve never felt in competition with,” Lawson explained. “It wasn’t a nice feeling, but this is my shot at F1, and I have to take it with both hands.”
Ricciardo, known for his charismatic presence and openness, encouraged Lawson to seize the moment. “He said to me, ‘you need to make the most of it,’ and I have a huge amount of respect for how he dealt with everything,” Lawson continued. “It’s a similar position I was in last year, but he’s a lot more public and famous, and he handled the questions and scrutiny very well.”
Lawson’s Big Chance: One Shot to Make It Count
As Lawson gears up for his six-race stint, he knows that this is his one shot to impress in the highly competitive world of Formula 1. With Ricciardo’s departure still fresh, Lawson’s performance in these final rounds could determine his future in the sport. The next race in Austin will be crucial, as both Lawson and RB aim to maximize their potential and fight back against McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship.
For Lawson, it’s not just about replacing a fan favorite; it’s about proving he belongs at the pinnacle of motorsport.
