Liam Lawson could be back behind the wheel as early as 2024

Liam Lawson’s unexpected debut in Formula 1 took place just over a month ago, but this time was enough to build a very good reputation.

The young New Zealander has completed just four races behind the wheel of an AlphaTauri car so far, finishing 11th twice and earning points for ninth place in Singapore. And in all races he was classified above Yuki Tsunoda, his more experienced teammate, although the circumstances contributed to this; In Italy in particular, the Japanese did not start due to technical problems, and in Singapore he dropped out of the race on the first lap.

However, Red Bull is in no hurry to offer Lawson a contract as a prize driver, and next year Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo, who has now successfully replaced Liam, will continue racing for the Faenza team. And there is a certain logic in that, as a very informed journalist from the official website of the championship, Lawrence Baretto, writes.

Lawson has really made a very good impression on the management of Red Bull and AlphaTauri, there is no doubt about that. Next year he will continue to serve as reservesner for both teams, he will come to all phases of the season and one of his tasks will be to build good working relationships with both teams.

In addition, he will train even more intensively on the Red Bull simulator in Milton Keynes, his recommendations on car settings will be taken into account in preparation for the races and he will become familiar with all championship circuits.

Because he has already completed four Grands Prix, he no longer formally fits into the ‘young driver’ category and cannot participate in training this weekend, but most likely Red Bull will involve him in working on the Pirelli tire tests.

Moreover, Lawson may not have to wait until 2025 to get back in the driver’s seat. Baretto emphasizes, citing unnamed sources, that Red Bull has already developed a scenario in which Daniel Ricciardo will replace Sergio Perez next season and become Max Verstappen’s partner again. At the same time, Liam will take the Australian’s place in AlphaTauri, whatever this team is called.

Perez is now under real pressure as he has 177 points less than Max Verstappen, and if the Mexican fails to overcome his losing streak, Lewis Hamilton could well push him out of second place in the personal rankings.

There’s generally no need to worry about Lawson’s future; Red Bull is willing to bet on him, although in theory they can loan him to Williams, but only for one season if the British team decides to refuse to continue the partnership with Logan. Sargent.

There was already an example of this approach in the past, as Alex Albon initially moved to Williams precisely because the leaders of the two teams agreed on this. Let’s not forget that Albon then had a contract as a reserve driver at Red Bull.

Another question, however, is whether Williams will settle for the condition that they can only sign Lawson for one season? But that is an other story.

Meanwhile, Liam is preparing for the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix as Ricciardo is set to return to action, most likely in Austin.