Lawson steps up post-Ricciardo exit: New Zealand's rising star takes on F1 challenge
Liam Lawson embraces F1 pressure after Daniel Ricciardo's exit from RB
Lawson’s opportunity and high stakes
Liam Lawson, the 22-year-old New Zealander, is acutely aware that his coveted Formula 1 seat with Red Bull-owned RB could be fleeting if he fails to deliver in the remaining races of the season. Following the exit of Daniel Ricciardo, Lawson's elevation to a full-time racing position was confirmed last week. He is set to make his return at a sprint weekend in Texas on October 20, the first of a consecutive trio of races that also include Mexico and Brazil.
Lawson has already caught the attention of Red Bull's leadership. He admirably stepped in for the injured Ricciardo in five races last season while driving for the team then known as AlphaTauri. This temporary stint brought him under the spotlight, making him a favorite to secure a full-time seat next season alongside his Japanese teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who is confirmed for 2025.
Despite the optimistic speculations, Lawson remains grounded, acknowledging that nothing is guaranteed. "I've been given this opportunity for a reason. But obviously it's always performance-based," he told the New Zealand Herald. "Even when you have a full-year contract, or a multi-year contract, those can be broken. It's not set in stone, I'm not guaranteed racing next year. That's the target, that's why they've given me this opportunity -- to prepare me for hopefully driving next year. But they still need to evaluate how I go in the car."
Lawson made history by becoming the 10th Kiwi driver to start a grand prix when he replaced Ricciardo at Zandvoort last year. He followed the footsteps of Brendon Hartley, who raced for AlphaTauri’s predecessor, Toro Rosso, in 2018. Having patiently waited as reserve driver this year, Lawson’s rise has electrified fans and media in New Zealand and has been a massive relief to his family.
His journey to Formula 1 has been a family affair, with significant sacrifices made along the way. His parents, Jared and Kristy, sold their family home to support his racing ambitions, while his sisters set aside their promising careers in Irish dancing to back their brother. Lawson cherished the moment he could finally tell his family about his F1 opportunity. "Everyone I called -- all my family, my mum and dad included and the board of amazing people who've believed in me since day one -- their first reaction was exactly the same," he said. "It wasn't excitement or happiness, it was relief. I could hear it in their voice after how long it's been, how much hard work and sacrifice has gone into this, especially for my family."
As Liam Lawson prepares for the high-pressure races ahead, his focus is clear; perform well to ensure his place on the grid next season. The Kiwi driver’s journey is a testament to perseverance and family support, underscoring the collective effort behind his racing dream. With the world watching, Lawson must now convert his potential into performance.
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