In the fast-paced world of Formula One, New Zealand’s up-and-coming talent Liam Lawson has impressed one of the biggest names in the sport.
The 21-year-old stands on the cusp of a promising career despite missing out on a fulltime seat for the 2024 season with his recent stint at Alpha Tauri showcasing both his potential and room for growth according to Helmut Marko, the director overseeing Red Bull Racing and Alpha Tauri.
“He just has to be patient and his time will come,” Marko told Mike Hosking on Newstalk ZB. “We already have a contract with Sergio Pérez, Yuki Tsunoda and also with Daniel Ricciardo which goes till the end of 2024.”
In September, Lawson was announced as the reserve driver for Alpha Tauri and Red Bull next season. In late August, he was called up to make his F1 debut after Ricciardo injured his hand during a practice session ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix. He contested five Grand Prix races as well as a sprint, and the majority of what he showed on track saw his stocks rise in the field.
While the F1 grid remains occupied for the coming season, the promising young Kiwi appears poised for a remarkable trajectory when his moment arrives. Marko emphasised Lawson’s ongoing learning curve, noting improvements in qualifying and race pace. He said Lawson’s exposure simulator work across both Red Bull and Alpha Tauri would fortify his understanding and provide diverse perspectives crucial for his F1 journey.