Liam Lawson, the 21-year-old New Zealand sensation and Red Bull’s top junior driver, is on the brink of a promising Formula 1 future with the team that recently underwent a rebranding to become Visa Cash App RB. After stepping in for the injured Alpha Tauri regular Daniel Ricciardo last year, Lawson left an indelible mark, showcasing his undeniable talent and driving prowess. Dr. Helmut Marko, the mastermind behind Red Bull’s driver development, has already teased the possibility of Lawson getting more opportunities in 2024, setting the stage for what could be a significant year for the young racer.
In an exclusive conversation with the NZ Herald, Lawson shared his optimism about the direction and potential growth of his future team. “It’s looking really promising and exciting,” he remarked, hinting at the developmental strides the team is making. However, Lawson was quick to temper expectations, noting that the fruits of their labor might not be immediate but are certainly on the horizon.
2023 saw Lawson narrowly miss clinching the Super Formula series title in Japan, finishing a commendable second overall. Despite this near miss, Red Bull has chosen not to allocate a specific racing project to Lawson for 2024, opting instead to prepare him for his eventual full-time F1 debut. “In terms of what I’ll be driving and when I’ll be driving, that’s still to be set out,” Lawson stated, expressing his eagerness to get behind the wheel of an F1 car, whether for testing or racing purposes.
Lawson’s introspection on his performance last year and the lessons learned from the Super Formula championship chase reveal a maturity beyond his years. He acknowledges that while the speed and potential for victory were present, a championship requires more than just raw talent. Reflecting on the season, Lawson admitted to making decisions that, in hindsight, may have cost him crucial points. “It’s part of the process,” he said, recognizing these experiences as pivotal learning moments that will shape his future in motorsports.
