Short-circuited by Daniel Ricciardo, Liam Lawson wanted to finish his season in Super Formula

Last week, Nyck de Vries was ousted from AlphaTauri due to poor early season results. To replace the Dutch driver, Helmut Marko chose Daniel Ricciardo, who is thus making his return to Formula 1 after several months off. The big loser in this sudden transfer is Liam Lawson, the young Red Bull junior driver who is currently competing in Japan in Super Formula, a stepping stone to Formula 1.

But the New Zealander is not disappointed to not have been chosen by Helmut Marko to replace Nyck de Vries. On the contrary, he understands Red Bull’s choice and, above all, wants to finish his season in Japan and better prepare for 2024. « “I have always wanted to finish the season here in Super Formula. My goal was to secure a seat for next year,” he said.

Ricciardo: a choice he understands

Liam Lawson fully understands the choice made by Red Bull. « Jumping in the middle of the season would have been extremely difficult, and in AlphaTauri’s position, they wanted someone experienced who has been in Formula 1 for a long time. So, I understand their decision » declared the New Zealander.

Indeed, Helmut Marko hopes that with this decision, Daniel Ricciardo will be able to prevent AlphaTauri from drowning. Bringing in an experienced driver is often beneficial, but let’s wait and see.

Winning the championship in Super Formula?

For 2023, Liam Lawson has other goals. The young driver prefers to finish his season in Japan, for a better learning experience. « But it’s on the Super Formula that I am focusing. All my chances in Formula 1 depend on my results here. So, I must finish the year in the best possible way and try to win this championship, which will give me that opportunity » declared Liam Lawson.

« I have to make sure that I do everything I can to give myself the best chances. And if that doesn’t happen, I will be able to say that I couldn’t have done anything more, » he explained. By the way, Liam Lawson knows what he has to do in this Super Formula season: « The expectation is that I go and win the championship, » he said. With 3 victories so far, he is more than ever in the title race.

Formula 1 in 2024?

However, Liam Lawson does not plan on doing another year in Super Formula. His goal is clear for 2024: to secure a seat in Formula 1. « “I just need a seat, and regardless of which seat, I don’t really care. I am focusing on this goal, that’s what Red Bull told me to do as well,” he explained.

“It’s a certain advantage for the New Zealander, who has already taken the wheel as a reserve driver for Red Bull. « I am the reserve driver this year and by the end of the season, I will have been the reserve driver for almost two seasons,” stated Lawson.

In short, the young driver wants to win the Super Formula title and land in Formula 1 in 2024. If that’s the case, it will be with AlphaTauri, replacing Yuki Tsunoda or Daniel Ricciardo. These two will have some work to do to secure their place for next year. « I am ready for Formula 1, I want a spot. I will strive to do the best job possible here to obtain it » concluded Liam Lawson.