Daniel Ricciardo’s absence from the Red Bull Racing team has set the stage for Liam Lawson, who is gearing up to make his mark in Formula 1. Lawson, the New Zealander stepping into Ricciardo’s shoes, is poised for his first race of the 2024 season at the US Grand Prix in Austin. However, he’ll be facing an uphill battle right from the start, as an engine swap will impose a grid penalty on him during the sprint race, which will significantly affect his performance.
Following the Singapore Grand Prix, Red Bull confirmed Lawson’s promotion from reserve driver to a full-time racer. This change had been on the horizon for some time, driven by Ricciardo’s disappointing results and his inability to outscore teammate Yuki Tsunoda. With Ricciardo’s departure, Lawson is now tasked with carrying the Red Bull flag for the rest of the 2024 season. However, the timing of this opportunity isn’t ideal, as he will start the race weekend with a disadvantage due to the grid penalty.
Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, discussed Lawson’s upcoming challenges in a recent interview. He noted that Lawson’s first outing would be significantly impacted by the 10-place grid penalty he will incur due to the engine change. “The first race, I think, won’t be relevant because he has an engine penalty. Ten places in the sprint race doesn’t exactly make life easier in Austin,” Marko explained. This statement underscores the reality Lawson will face as he tries to establish himself in a competitive field.
Lawson isn’t entirely new to the pressure of Formula 1, having filled in for Ricciardo last season when the veteran suffered a hand injury during the Dutch Grand Prix. He stepped into the spotlight after Ricciardo had already taken over from Nyck de Vries, who struggled to make an impact. During his brief stint in 2023, Lawson participated in five races and managed to score two points, achieving a ninth-place finish in Singapore. Yet, with the 2024 season unfolding, questions linger about his future with Red Bull beyond this year, as neither Lawson nor the team has confirmed plans for the 2025 season.
As he prepares for this pivotal moment in his career, Lawson is keenly aware of the obstacles that lie ahead. In a recent discussion on the Newstalk ZB YouTube channel, he expressed his excitement about beginning his F1 journey while acknowledging the inherent challenges of joining mid-season. “I’m very happy, but it’s six rounds left in the season, so I’m coming in at a difficult time,” he stated. He recognized that the other drivers have been fine-tuning their skills throughout the majority of the season, making his entry into this well-established competition all the more daunting.
Moreover, Lawson candidly admitted that his limited track time this year could impact his performance as he competes against drivers who have been acclimatized to their cars for many races. “It’s going to be a very challenging point. All these drivers have done three-quarters of a season now, so I have to try and compete with that – at tracks that I haven’t driven at as well,” he explained, highlighting the uphill climb he faces as he adjusts to the demanding environment of F1.
In this transition, he has been in close contact with his family and those who have supported him throughout his racing journey. Lawson shared, “It’s very, very special, but we don’t have much time to really let it sink in – we’ve got to get straight to work.” This attitude reflects his determination and commitment to making a successful impact in the remaining races of the season.
As Lawson gears up to race alongside Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull during the 2024 F1 US GP, fans are eager to see how he navigates the challenges ahead. With the excitement of a new chapter in his career mixed with the realities of competitive racing, Lawson’s debut will undoubtedly be one to watch. How he handles the pressure of the grid penalty and performs against seasoned competitors will be a significant test of his skills and resilience. The road ahead may be rocky, but Lawson’s passion for racing and readiness to tackle the challenges could pave the way for an exciting future in Formula 1. The upcoming races will reveal whether this talented driver can rise to the occasion and make his mark in the sport.
Liam Lawson’s F1 Return in Jeopardy: Major Setback Strikes Ricciardo’s Replacement
