Daniel Ricciardo: Lawson’s time will come

Daniel Ricciardo supported Liam Lawson, advising him to further prepare to continue his career in Formula 1 and expressed his confidence that the New Zealander’s time will come.

Lawson drove five races of the season in Ricciardo’s car, starting with the Dutch Grand Prix, when Daniel suffered a hand injury at the Zandvoort circuit, after which recovery took quite a long time.

Liam performed very well, including gaining two points for AlphaTauri with a ninth-place finish in Singapore, and Red Bull has emphasized that the 21-year-old is shortlisted as he continues to serve as reserve driver for Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri. There is a good chance that this situation will continue in 2024.

“Liam did a great job, that’s for sure,” said Ricciardo, who returned to action last weekend in Austin. – If we talk about the fact that he does not have a contract for next year, then in my opinion this is one of those situations where we have to talk about his youth. He is currently in the early stages of his career, so he just has to hang in there and keep working.

He has done everything he can to create an opportunity for himself for the future, and I believe if he continues on this trajectory, his time will come.”

Ricciardo expressed a general opinion about Lawson’s potential: Liam already has a reputation as a promising driver in the paddock, but there are virtually no vacancies left in the teams for 2024, with the exception of Williams, where teammate Alex’s name is Albon mention. not yet appointed. But it’s possible they decide to continue working with Logan Sargent.

“Of course, we drivers believe very much in ourselves, but there is always a feeling that can be said as follows: “Why do I still not have a contract?” – continued Ricciardo. “A career can last a very long time and Liam is young, only 21 or so. “I am confident that if he continues to do what he is doing, I personally have no doubt that he will find a way to get into Formula 1.”