Liam Lawson will join VCARB “soon” – Helmut Marko

Jaden Diaz
26/06/2024

Liam Lawson is a key name in the F1 driver market. Since his exceptional performances for AlphaTauri last year, the Kiwi’s future has been discussed extensively. Although the consensus to begin 2024 was that his promotion to VCARB was just a formality, doubts have emerged in recent months. However, Helmut Marko insists Lawson is still part of Red Bull’s plans.

In recent months, Red Bull has received criticism for its driver selection. Specifically, many have criticised the decision to retain Sergio Perez as overly conservative.

With just eight points in the last four rounds, Perez has hardly vindicated Red Bull’s decision.

In any case, an inevitable consequence of Perez’s new contract was that it put the magnifying glass on Liam Lawson. With Yuki Tsunoda locked in for 2025, Lawson’s only chance of joining VCARB would be to replace Daniel Ricciardo.

Unfortunately for Lawson, Ricciardo’s position as Faenza has appeared relatively secure until now. Despite his deficit to teammate Tsunoda, the 34-year-old has received steady support from Christian Horner and Laurent Mekies.

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR – OCTOBER 06: Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Scuderia AlphaTauri and Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Scuderia AlphaTauri talk to the media in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on October 06, 2023 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202310061176 // Usage for editorial use only //

Marko: Lawson will be at VCARB “soon”

For many, Red Bull’s previous comments about Ricciardo spelt bad news for Lawson. The Kiwi himself admitted to being uncertain about his position within the Red Bull setup.

However, Helmut Marko has made some very clear statements about VCARB’s future driver lineup:

“The shareholders have made it known that it is a junior team, and we have to act accordingly,” he told Kleine Zeitung.

“The goal was that he [Ricciardo] would be considered for Red Bull Racing with exceptional performances. That seat now belongs to Sergio Perez, so that plan is no longer valid.

“We have to put a young driver in there [VCARB] soon. That would be Liam Lawson.”

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – MAY 26: Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App RB looks on in the garage during the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 26, 2024 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202405260904 // Usage for editorial use only //

Until now, Red Bull’s comments about the 22-year-old could be described as relatively non-committal.

Of course, in textbook fashion, Helmut Marko speaks with complete transparency on the situation to change the consensus. His comments are undoubtedly positive for Lawson.

Still, it must be said that – until the contract is signed on the dotted line – nothing is guaranteed at Red Bull. In many cases, even a signed contract is not the end of the story.

Time will tell if and when the Austrian squad follows through on Marko’s word and gives Lawson an F1 contract.

Should they fail to offer him a deal, he will be forced to explore the other options.

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