The recent Formula One weekend in Singapore wasn’t as thrilling as one might think for young Liam Lawson. Of course, knowing that he would be back as one of the main players in the championship for the next event filled his heart with joy, but not completely as one might expect.
Disappointment for Daniel Ricciardo
The New Zealander admitted in an interview reported by the official Formula 1 website that he felt very sorry to have to take Daniel Ricciardo’s place. A driver he has always respected and from whom he has received many useful tips in the past: “Honestly, it wasn’t a nice moment. Everyone knew what was going to happen. Daniel has always been good to me. I’ve never felt in competition with him; I don’t think I ever made him feel that way.” – stated the driver who is mentored by three-time New Zealand Grand Prix winner Ken Smith.
“Even though it wasn’t a good feeling, I now have a chance, and I’m very grateful to have received it. Now I have to take the bull by the horns. Daniel told me the same thing: ‘Try to make the most of it,’” said the driver, sharing the advice given to him by the departing Ricciardo.
Lawson: “Daniel Handled Everything Perfectly”
“I have deep respect for him and admire the way he handled the situation in Marina Bay. It was similar, in reverse, to what I experienced last year,” Liam Lawson said, referring to the five Grands Prix in 2023 where he replaced Daniel following the Australian’s injury in Belgium.
Once recovered, Daniel Ricciardo returned to his seat. “Of course, Daniel is much more famous than I am,” the New Zealand racing driver continued. “He received a lot of questions and managed to evade even the trickiest ones. He did an excellent job,” concluded the 22-year-old, who will partner with Yuki Tsunoda at Racing Bulls starting from the United States Grand Prix, which will take place at the 5.513-kilometre Circuit of The Americas in Austin on Sunday, October 20.
Leave a Reply