Liam Lawson is seen as essentially guaranteed to make an F1 comeback. The current climate appears especially encouraging for the Kiwi driver. In the upcoming months, Red Bull will make crucial decisions about their Formula 1 roster.
Formula 1 is a sport where – like many others – narratives can change very quickly. Just ask Nyck de Vries, the driver who went from zero to hero and was replaced by Daniel Ricciardo after just ten rounds.
Ricciardo is another driver who, over the last five years, has experienced several ebbs and flows.
However, it would not be controversial to say the Australian is going through one of his tougher patches.
This is not because two race weekends are enough to draw any conclusions about his prospects in 2024. Instead, it is because the window of opportunity is steadily closing.
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) RB VCARB 01.
02.03.2024. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Race Day.
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One reason for this is Liam Lawson, the 22-year-old who impressed the F1 paddock with his sensational efforts last season.
Although he is officially RB’s third driver, it is an open secret that Red Bull is ready to offer the youngster a seat by 2025 at the latest.
Helmut Marko made no secret of his belief in Lawson’s potential when reflecting on Oliver Bearman’s Jeddah debut:
“Bearman, but also our Liam Lawson last season – or Pedro Acosta in MotoGP yesterday – show what truly exceptional talents are.
“Sure, today, the boys are all well prepared when they move up.”
“But only if someone is really good can they achieve such achievements right from the start,” he concluded for Speedweek.
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – OCTOBER 28: Red Bull Racing Team Consultant Dr Helmut Marko walks in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 28, 2022 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images ) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210280981 // Usage for editorial use only //
Lawson continues to wait patiently for another opportunity in Formula 1.
Luckily for the 22-year-old, the consensus is that his debut is a matter of when – not if – Red Bull makes the decision.
As discussed previously in formu1a.uno, there is huge pressure on both Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo to perform.
With Sergio Perez driving at a reasonable level to start 2024, the Racing Bulls garage is under even more scrutiny.
Somebody will have to make way for Lawson, a driver who is surely a part of Red Bull’s long-term plans.
His importance is arguably elevated by the uncertainty surrounding Max Verstappen and senior leadership at the Austrian team.
The reigning Champions are no strangers to making impulsive decisions. Whether Lawson returns to the grid thanks to a mid-season swap or after an announcement for 2025, he will almost certainly compete in F1 again.
Author: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
