Formula 1 is every child’s dream from the days of karting to the lower categories, and it’s what happened to Liam Lawson. His first opportunity came in 2023 when he was called to replace the injured Daniel Ricciardo, who hurt his wrist at Zandvoort. Lawson did so well in his debut that it raised doubts about Ricciardo’s return to the former Alpha Tauri, now Racing Bulls. Now, a year after his F1 debut, he will become an official driver alongside Yuki Tsunoda for the remainder of the season.
Unfortunately, upon his return to Formula 1 for the upcoming United States Grand Prix, Lawson risks receiving a ten-place grid penalty due to an engine change, as explained by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko.
Marko spoke about the race awaiting Liam Lawson in Austin with the following words:
“The first [race], I believe, will not be relevant because he has a penalty for the engine,” Marko revealed. “Ten positions in the sprint race, so that doesn’t make life easier in Austin.”
Speaking to New Zealand radio station Newstalk ZB after the confirmation of the driver change, Liam Lawson acknowledged the challenge ahead.
“Obviously, I am very happy, but there are six races left in the season, so I arrive at a difficult time,” he said.
“It will be a very challenging point. All of these [drivers] have done three-quarters of the season, so I have to try to compete with them, even on tracks where I’ve never driven.”
“It will be a challenge. I spoke with my parents, obviously, and with everyone who has supported me on this journey. It’s very, very special, but we don’t have much time to make sense of it: we have to get straight to work.”
Liam Lawson added: “It’s funny, because when I found out and called everyone, the first words or the first things they said—everyone, including my father, my mother, and all the sponsors who have supported me since day one—I could hear the relief in their voices first of all.
“It wasn’t excitement, it was just pure relief, which is what I felt too, to be honest, because it’s obviously been an incredible journey, and many people have put a lot into this, so it was very emotional.”
There is no longer any doubt: it’s time for the new generation to enter Formula One, bringing with them the inevitable drive of young rookies. These young drivers have the talent, some more than others, to rightfully enter this elite class. Time will tell if Oliver Bearman, Liam Lawson, and Kimi Antonelli are part of the “champions” or if they have what it takes to hope to become one.
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