A novelty for Liam Lawson, who has picked his race number for his “second” Formula 1 debut. As announced during the Singapore weekend, the New Zealander will replace Daniel Ricciardo starting from the United States Grand Prix in Austin. A great opportunity for the 22-year-old from Hastings, although he will need to watch his back from another Red Bull protégé.
Another switch in the big, fast-paced family of Milton Keynes. After two half-seasons of ups and downs, Daniel Ricciardo is once again benched. The Australian steps away from the sport, perhaps for good, although some paddock rumors suggest his story isn’t over yet. In any case, at the Circuit of The Americas, it will be Liam Lawson driving for Racing Bulls.
The New Zealander had already raced with the Faenza-based team in 2023, substituting for Daniel Ricciardo in a few races after he injured his wrist during Free Practice at the Dutch Grand Prix. This is a golden opportunity for him, but with the certainty that the Red Bull environment does not tolerate mistakes: if he fails in his task in this season finale, he might not have a seat for 2025.
In that case, Isack Hadjar, who has already been announced as Red Bull’s third driver, would be ready. But before any judgment, it will be important to see Liam Lawson finally in action. In Austin, he will race with a new number, different from the #40 used in those few races last season: for reasons yet to be clarified, Liam Lawson will compete in 2024 with #30.
It will be his tough challenge to keep pace with an otherwise unimpressive Yuki Tsunoda. If he succeeds, it could even open the door for a long-desired promotion to the main team. That is, unless those other rumors circulating during this unusual autumn break are confirmed, suggesting that Red Bull might be eyeing George Russell.
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