Liam Lawson is racing in Super Formula this year and is second in the drivers’ standings with three rounds to go. At the same time, he believes this is too risky for young drivers who expect to get a super license through the Japanese series, as there are not that many points to earn in Super Formula.
“I advise everyone to consider the option with Super Formula, if the opportunity arises. Unfortunately, there are difficulties in getting points for a super license, the New Zealand rider stressed in an interview with Speedcafe. – We can say that to get it, you have to compete in Formula 3 or Formula 2, because in other series they don’t give enough points.
Going to Super Formula without a super license is too risky. Luckily I have it, which means I can play here without too much pressure, without thinking about whether I should finish the season in a certain position.
The FIA Super License is required to compete in Formula One and can be obtained by scoring 40 points in the previous three seasons. They are given to those who finished the season in the top three in F2 or won the title in the IndyCar series, while success in F3, Formula E and WEC can earn you up to 30 points.
But the title in Super Formula is worth only 25 points, although this Japanese championship uses cars second only to F1 technology in terms of characteristics. Since getting a super license is not a problem for Lawson, he also likes to get good experiences in this series. Last season he took 3rd place in Formula 2, and the year before he fought for the title in the DTM touring car series, but became vice-champion.
Since the 21-year-old New Zealander also works as a reserve driver for Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri, he has plenty to do this season. Things went a little easier for him in the first half of the year, as he shared these duties with Daniel Ricciardo, but now the Australian has been given a place in AlphaTauri, replacing Nick de Vries.
“You have to travel a lot,” Liam admits. – I used to share the role of reserve pilot with Daniel, but now he’s back in the race, so I have to be present at all stages. Of course I spend a lot of time on the road, but that doesn’t matter. Although flying to Japan isn’t easy, I usually try to get there a few days early to adjust to the jet lag. But once you get into that rhythm, it’s not that bad.”
Lawson believes he will have at least one Friday practice behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car this season, but no decision has been made yet. Most likely it can happen in Monza, in the days of the Italian Grand Prix.
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
