Liam Lawson Issues Firm Statement on Red Bull and McLaren Controversy
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Liam Lawson addresses his readiness for a Red Bull Racing seat alongside Max Verstappen in F1, as well as his comments on McLaren’s use of the British national anthem. Lawson opens up about his future and recent performances.
Liam Lawson, the rising star of Formula 1, has recently made headlines both on and off the track. The New Zealand-born driver has expressed his readiness to battle against Max Verstappen for a seat at Red Bull Racing, while also stirring controversy with his remarks about McLaren’s use of the British national anthem. As Lawson continues to impress in his F1 career, his future with Red Bull and his outspoken nature are becoming key talking points in the motorsport world.
Liam Lawson’s Readiness to Join Red Bull Racing
Liam Lawson has been given a golden opportunity to prove himself as a serious contender for a full-time Red Bull Racing seat, as he has been inserted into the VCARB lineup alongside Yuki Tsunoda for the final six races of the 2024 F1 season. This move serves as an unofficial evaluation for Lawson, assessing whether he is ready to join the senior Red Bull team alongside Max Verstappen for the upcoming season.
Lawson’s journey in Formula 1 has been nothing short of impressive. After replacing Daniel Ricciardo at the 2023 Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix following Ricciardo’s injury, Lawson quickly showcased his talent by scoring points in Singapore. Although he wasn’t selected for a full-time seat with Red Bull for the 2025 season, his recent performances have given him another chance to prove his worth during the 2024 season’s final races.
Despite being most likely headed to the newly rebranded VCARB team for next season, Lawson remains hopeful that his consistent performances could lead to a call-up to the senior Red Bull team. Red Bull’s current second driver, Sergio Perez, has faced difficulties in maintaining a competitive pace, leading Red Bull’s top figures, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, to hint that changes could be made after the 2024 season.
Lawson has made it clear that he is more than ready to take on the challenge of competing alongside Verstappen, stating, “That’s what I’ve been trying to show in my performance for the last couple of races. But that decision comes from the team, from Christian and Helmut. I would feel ready for that.” He further emphasized that his focus is on performing well on track regardless of whether Red Bull is looking at him for a potential promotion.
Expectations from Red Bull and Feedback from the Team
As one of the highly-rated young drivers in the sport, Lawson knows that only results will convince Red Bull’s leadership that he is ready for a promotion. He explained, “The expectation from them is high, that’s why they put me in the car. We’re fighting for sixth in the Constructors’. The target is clear from what they expect from us, to score points and fight for sixth.”
Despite still being considered an underdog for a permanent Red Bull seat, Lawson has impressed during his three races with the team, scoring top-10 finishes in both the USA and Brazil Grand Prix. However, he has also courted controversy within the team, notably after a collision with Perez during the Mexican Grand Prix. Lawson remains focused on securing solid results and ensuring his position in the sport.
Liam Lawson’s Controversial Comments on McLaren’s British Anthem
In addition to his impressive performances on track, Liam Lawson has also made waves off the circuit. Recently, the Kiwi driver made a bold statement about McLaren’s use of the British national anthem on the podium, calling it “bullsh*t” and arguing that the team should honor its New Zealand heritage instead. Lawson’s remarks came after McLaren’s victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where the UK’s God Save the King anthem was played, a tradition for the team due to its British roots.
“Bruce McLaren was one of New Zealand’s proudest sons in motorsport,” Lawson said, referencing McLaren’s founder, who tragically passed away in 1970 while testing a McLaren sportscar. McLaren Racing, now two-thirds owned by Bahrain’s Mumtalakat Holding Company, still carries its British roots and has kept the UK anthem for its podium celebrations. However, Lawson feels strongly that McLaren should honor the team’s New Zealand heritage, especially considering Bruce McLaren’s pivotal role in the team’s history.
McLaren Racing’s current ownership structure involves a significant investment from Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat, alongside a minority stake from US investment firm MSP Sports Capital. Despite these changes, Lawson believes that the team should continue to honor its origins in New Zealand rather than adhering to British traditions.
Conclusion: Lawson’s Future in F1 and the Road Ahead
Liam Lawson’s journey in Formula 1 has been filled with both promise and controversy. As he continues to impress on the track, his comments off the track are also making headlines, further establishing him as a driver unafraid to speak his mind. With the prospect of a future at Red Bull Racing still very much alive, Lawson will continue to push himself to prove he is ready for the challenge of racing alongside Max Verstappen in one of the sport’s top teams.
Whether or not he secures a seat at Red Bull for 2025 remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Liam Lawson is a driver to watch in the coming seasons as he looks to carve out his place in Formula 1.
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