Since Daniel Ricciardo’s accident at the Dutch Grand Prix, Liam Lawson has taken the seasoned driver’s spot in the team. Being a rookie, he is facing tough competition as he has to face drivers like Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Fernando Alonso.
At Zandvoort, Lawson secured the thirteenth position which is quite impressive. However, his fine performance has caught the eye of a certain someone, which is none other than Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko.
The 21-year-old performed at the classic Monza track which gave fans and industry insiders hope for a successful future with AlphaTauri. Helmut Marko struggled to contain his elation at Lawson’s exceptional athletic progress.
The consultant cheerfully stated, “Liam has been with us for a while. He is a tough but very smart man in a fight, a bit like Bruce McLaren. This is certainly someone for the future.” Marko was stunned by the young driver’s pace which was the highlight for AlphaTauri in Italy.
🗣️ | Helmut Marko on Liam Lawson’s recent performance and possible full-time contract driving for AlphaTauri
“Liam has been with us for a while. He is a tough but very smart man in a fight, a bit like Bruce McLaren. This is certainly someone for the future
The speed was there… pic.twitter.com/X8DhZKYyUH
— RBR News 🇳🇱🇲🇽 (@redbulletin) September 6, 2023
What truly sets the New Zealander apart is his praise-worthy adaptability which was witnessed not only in his last entry at Zandvoort but also by his recent outing at the Italian GP. The spectacular rise of Liam Lawson had been notably observed in Monza, a shrine of speed in the racing world. His success, resulting in a flurry of discussion among race fans, led him to cross the finish line in an astounding 11th place.
Who will Liam Lawson replace at the Red Bull Jr. outfit in 2024?
Strangely, Lawson had been brushed off by AlphaTauri for a Formula 1 seat for the 2023 campaign. Rather, they decided to go with the Dutch driver Nyck de Vries who had a tragic yet short-lived F1 career.
Marko was apprehensive to interfere with Lawson’s dedication to the Super Formula Championship, nonetheless, until Daniel Ricciardo joined the team as de Vries’ successor. When Ricciardo sustained a wrist injury, fate stepped in and forced a lineup change.
Confirmed: Liam Lawson is to replace Daniel Ricciardo for the remainder of the #DutchGP. pic.twitter.com/5ZxDyMpzdA
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) August 25, 2023
The season to come will see another rebranding for AlphaTauri, which will call for an essential amount of marketing. The Australian would make a terrific partner in terms of marketing, and he additionally displays good driving capabilities. Ricciardo would undoubtedly have to sit out a few races, despite this, given his injuries.
As per the Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, it seems highly unlikely for the Aussie AlphaTauri driver to return for the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix while he is hopeful for his comeback for the Japanese GP which will be held at the much anticipated Suzuka track.
Since Ricciardo agreed on the conditions of being a supplementary driver only for the ongoing season at the team, there is a strong possibility that Lawson can sign up for a permanent seat with Red Bull’s sister team.
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