JAPAN: In a brief yet impactful stint with AlphaTauri, New Zealander Liam Lawson showcased both potential and determination. Filling in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo, Lawson’s performance culminated in an impressive points finish at the Singapore Grand Prix, marking the team’s best Sunday result of the season.
However, as Ricciardo gears up for a return at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Lawson’s tenure concluded on a mixed note. A first-lap incident during the Qatar sprint and a subdued 17th-place finish in the subsequent grand prix marked a downturn in his otherwise commendable run.
Though he will be on standby for the US GP, Lawson will miss the Mexico race to compete in the Super Formula doubleheader finale at Suzuka, where he currently stands second in the championship, a mere eight points adrift of leader Ritomo Miyata.
Speaking on the significance of potentially clinching the Japanese season as champion, Lawson expressed its paramount importance for his burgeoning career. “It’s very important. Very, very important,” he emphasized, acknowledging the potential impact on his trajectory, particularly in light of recent developments.
Despite the frustration of ending his AlphaTauri tenure on a subdued note, Lawson remains resolute. Reflecting on the experience, he acknowledged, “I think you want to go out on a high… I think it’s just something we need to look into. The first couple of races went good, we were building up, and then this week, I think we just struggled.”
Encouragingly, Red Bull’s Christian Horner echoed praise for Lawson’s performance, affirming that this won’t be the last of the Kiwi driver in Formula 1. “I think he’s caught all our attention in terms of the job that he’s done… He deserves an opportunity in the future,” stated Horner, underscoring Lawson’s potential impact on the world of F1.
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