Racing Bulls and the strange case of Liam Lawson: why he is immediately penalized in Austin. Liam Lawson will already have to serve a penalty in his first race after replacing Daniel Ricciardo.

On the afternoon of Thursday, September 26th, Liam Lawson was announced as Daniel Ricciardo’s replacement at the helm of RB (Racing Bulls), but it immediately made headlines that he would face a penalty in Austin. But why will the young New Zealand driver have to serve this penalty?

Liam Lawson’s announcement was expected from the checkered flag at the Singapore GP, where it was immediately clear that this would be Daniel Ricciardo’s last race. There were no long goodbyes, and the overall atmosphere made it clear that the Australian’s fate had already been decided.

After a few days, the official announcement has finally arrived, leaving no more room for doubt. Red Bull and Racing Bulls have decided to give the seat to the young New Zealander, who has already had the chance to prove himself on the track last season when he stepped in for Daniel Ricciardo.

Why will Lawson receive a penalty in Austin?
The driver will join Yuki Tsunoda until the end of the season, but in Austin, he will already face a heavy grid penalty. Strange, but true. The reason is quite simple. His RB will need to replace an engine component, and the newly appointed New Zealander will receive a 10-place grid penalty.

However, this could be a blessing in disguise for Liam Lawson. Starting almost certainly behind his teammate Yuki Tsunoda could be a good way to avoid immediate pressure from the newly assigned role.

Certainly, replacing Daniel Ricciardo, one of the most prominent figures in the paddock, might not be easy for the 22-year-old new RB driver. Starting calmly in Austin could be the best way to begin, despite the oddity of receiving a penalty in his first race as a full-time driver this season.