Liam Lawson was the talk of the town after his Singapore race. The driver gave it his all and outqualified Max Verstappen. Lawson, being a rookie, started the race with a P10 and then gave it his all to defend against Max Verstappen and help onto a P9 until the end of the race.
Rookie Lawson did better than all the drivers AlphaTauri had all season by finishing on P9. These were also the first points Lawson earned in Formula 1. However, the rookie is now going viral for his incredible and smooth overtake on Daniel Ricciardo.
Lawson overtook one of the Haas drivers in the smoothest way possible. He was behind Nico Hulkenberg when he came close to the Haas driver. However, right around the corner, Lawson took in from the inside and passed him in the race.
This slick move had fans bringing in similarities between him and Daniel Ricciardo. In Ricciardo’s prime at Red Bull, the Australian pulled great overtakes. One fan commented, “That was good, just like prime Danny Ric”
That was good , just like prime danny ric đź’Żđź‘Ś
— Golden (@Goldpipper) September 4, 2023
Another user said, “This Liam Lawson is giving Max Verstappen in Torro-Rosso vibes.”Â
This Liam Lawson is giving Max Verstappen in a Torro-Rosso vibes
— Meth Hettihewa (@methhettihewa) September 4, 2023
Comparing the Kiwi to Max Verstappen in his debut season with Toro Rosso. Nonetheless, he went on to get a great job in the Singapore race. His skills had Max Verstappen out of qualifications. However, he only has a few races to make it worth a while. Nonetheless, the Kiwi can change that if he proves himself in the next few races.
Liam Lawson might drive for the Qatar Grand Prix
Liam Lawson first took Daniel Ricciardo’s place in AlphaTauri at Zandvoort. The Kiwi was called as a temporary replacement after Ricciardo hurt his arm in a crash. While the Australian went on to get stitches for the wound, Lawson made his debut at the Dutch Grand Prix.
The New Zealander was praised for his great work after getting a good result, although out of the points, for the team with little to no prior practice.
However, it was confirmed that Lawson will be taking the role of a substitute driver for a few more races. It was so after Ricciardo’s medical update was confirmed.
The Australian was said to be unable to drive because of his wrist. Therefore, the Red Bull confirmed Ricciardo will be sitting on the sidelines for the next few races which was only confirmed until the Japanese Grand Prix. However, as the Suzuka race comes closer, it is now confirmed that Lawson will be driving the AlphaTauri until the Qatar Grand Prix.
🚨 Liam Lawson will ‘most likely’ race at the Qatar Grand Prix as per @RobChinchero
He says Ricciardo’s return seems to be increasingly oriented towards the US Grand Prix at Austin
Ricciardo is still set to retain his seat for 2024
[@Motorsport_IT] #F1 pic.twitter.com/t7CpND34zh
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) September 19, 2023
Although it is not entirely confirmed if it will be necessary, it mostly seems to be inclining on that side. This, however, gives the Kiwi yet another chance to prove himself. And he might probably turn around his fate with an F1 seat.