Lawson looks back on five Grands Prix: 'This was very disappointing'

It's on. At least, it is expected that Daniel Ricciardo will make his return to AlphaTauri at the US Grand Prix. His replacement Liam Lawson will then return to his role as reserve with both Red Bull teams AND he can focus on the denouement of the Super Formula championship. Before that happens, Liam Lawson looks back on his first period as an F1 driver in conversation with GPblog and others.

It was not the final race Lawson had in mind. Finishing 17th in the sweltering heat of Qatar, the New Zealander was the last of the drivers to actually cross the finish line. Nevertheless, the five Grands Prix he won as an unexpected replacement for the injured Ricciardo were anything but disappointing. Lawson captured a total of two points, was regularly faster than his more experienced teammate Yuki Tsunoda AND is now seen by friend and foe alike as a serious candidate for a seat at Red Bull Racing one day.

"Obviously you want to go out on a high, so this is pretty tough to finish off on," Lawson responded. "Obviously you want to go out on a high, so this is pretty tough to finish off on. I think it's just something we need to look into, obviously, the first couple of races went really good, we were building up, and then this weekend I think we just struggled."

How satisfied are you with your time in Formula 1?
"As I said, the races up until this point have been going pretty well, but this definitely doesn't help that, so it's pretty disappointing to finish my run of races like this."

What do your next few weeks look like?
"I'll be in Austin, and I'll fly from there to Japan for our last race in Super Formula, so between now and then just be preparing for that, I'll obviously be doing stuff with Red Bull as well."

Who will you be assisting at the US Grand Prix; Red Bull Racing or AlphaTauri?
"I mean I'm reserved for both, so technically I'm there with both teams, but normally my travel plans are with Red Bull, so I just end up with them over the weekends, I'm not completely sure yet."

'Super Formula title important for career'

Lawson has a good chance of winning the Super Formula title in Japan. As number two in the championship anyway, the New Zealander needs to make up eight points on leader Ritomo Miyata. Tomoki Nojiri also still has a chance of the overall victory. "It's very important, very, very important," Lawson said of the importance of the Super Formula title. "For me, I think it can help make a huge impact on my career, especially with how this weekend's gone."

And then? What will your programme be in 2024?
"I think it's more or less being discussed and sort of being planned out, but for me, it's reserve [driver] at this stage. So I'll carry on going to all the Formula One races, but outside of that, it'll be normal simulator work. And other than that, I'm honestly not sure right now."

Could you theoretically come out for another non-Red Bull team in Formula 1?
"I don't know, honestly."