JAPAN: Rising motorsport talent Liam Lawson has dismissed speculations about his potential move to F1, despite being linked as a candidate to replace Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri.
The 21-year-old driver bolstered his chances by clinching his second win of the Super Formula season, propelling him to the top of the standings.
Lawson’s impressive performances throughout the season have caught the attention of Red Bull, making him one of two potential candidates for the coveted F1 seat.
However, the young driver remains firmly focused on his Super Formula campaign and believes a strong year in the series will provide him with the best opportunity for 2024.
In an interview with the media, Lawson expressed his commitment to his current championship aspirations, saying he wants to finish the year and fight for the championship.
Despite facing the challenge of not starting from the pole position at Autopolis and competing without his teammate Tomoki Nojiri, who sat out of the race due to a collapsed lung, Lawson demonstrated his skill and determination by making an impressive recovery to secure victory.
The win propelled him ahead of Ritomo Miyata in the 2023 Super Formula standings. The win also solidified Team Mugen’s lead in the constructors’ standings, with a substantial 42-point advantage over second-placed Tom’s Racing.
Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko, who oversees the team’s driver academy, previously mentioned Lawson as a potential candidate for the AlphaTauri seat.
However, Marko’s recent comments suggested that the team would prioritise their pool of young talent over veteran driver Daniel Ricciardo.
Lawson’s association with the Red Bull junior team makes him one of the longest-serving members, second only to Dennis Hauger.
The New Zealand-born driver has already tasted F1 action, having completed FP1 sessions for AlphaTauri and Red Bull in previous seasons.
As speculation continues to swirl around the future of Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri, it is uncertain whether Red Bull will make a driver change.
If they do, Lawson’s exceptional performances in Super Formula may ultimately pave the way for his F1 debut in 2024.
Until then, the young driver remains focused on his immediate goals and eager to fight for the Super Formula championship title.
In the high-pressure world of Formula 1, Liam Lawson’s composed approach and determination to excel in his current series serve as a testament to his talent and potential.
Motorsport enthusiasts will keep a keen eye on his progress as he continues to make waves on the path to F1.
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