At last, Liam Lawson will make his debut as a full-time Formula One driver for the Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team at this weekend’s Pirelli United States Grand Prix. A feeling of relief went through the New Zealand motorsport community on the announcement several weeks ago, and there will be no doubt that Lawson momentarily had the biggest sigh.
His five-race stint during the 2023 F1 season as a fill-in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo cemented his eventual confirmation in stepping up from a Red Bull reserve driver to a full-time gig.
“It’s been a tricky year most of the time,” commented Lawson. “It’s just been a rollercoaster because obviously me getting a seat means somebody doesn’t get a seat and that is changing every weekend. One weekend, someone has a good result, the next weekend, someone doesn’t.
“I haven’t driven much this year so every test I’ve had, although they said it’s not a performance evaluation, it’s just a test – you still know they are judging you.
“I always knew the incentive was to give me a shot, and I’ve known that since last year, Christian [Horner, Red Bull boss] told me that personally.”
The pressure will still be on him to perform as the remaining six Grand Prix of the 2024 season will determine whether he continues as a full-time F1 driver with the Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team, or not, or maybe the opportunity to move up to the Oracle Red Bull Racing as speculation continues on the future of Sergio Perez.
Meanwhile, let’s enjoy what is before us and the tenth Kiwi driver to line up on the F1 grid.
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