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Liam Lawson patiently targets 2025 for full-time Formula 1 gig
Brad Lewis • December 15th, 2023 4:23 pm
Liam Lawson’s 2024 plans will be in Formula 1 - just not in the full-time role he desires and probably deserves.
The young Kiwi driver will fill the reserve driver spot for Red Bull next season, meaning he will be first in line for a callup should form or fitness effect Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez and the Alpha Tauri pair of Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda.
Lawson made his F1 debut this year after Ricciardo broke his hand during practice for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. With just a couple of sessions to work with, Lawson finished a credible 13th before an 11th at the famed Monza circuit in Italy was followed by a points-scoring ninth place in Singapore.
Lawson finished his short F1 stint in Qatar in October finishing 17th after a tough race.
Several motorsport pundits had the 21-year-old filling a seat for 2023, but the reality for Lawson was always going to be as the backup.
“I am committed to the reserve driver role for Red Bull for 2024,” Lawson told The Run Home on SENZ.
“I knew that was the case by Singapore and just kept my head down and did the best I could. I want to be a full-time Formula 1 driver and I’m in a position now to achieve that - I am patient but I believe that’s where I belong.”
Lawson’s dip into F1 was intense with just six weeks separating his four races and he admits he didn’t have much time to either reflect on his performances or have any fun.
“I was so focused on the task I was handed that having fun wasn't in the front of my mind. There were a few moments - like Singapore where it felt really good, but the reality was I had a job to do and that was my focus,” he said.
“I’ve done a bit (of reflection) but my mind is already on what I need to do for the team next season.”
Lawson has a bit of time before that, however. After a quick promotional stop in California, he will be heading home just after Christmas to reset and spend time with his family in Hastings.
“Really looking forward to coming home and hanging out with my family. It’s always a special time of year and I’m privileged that with what I do I can generally always come home for Christmas. I think we land on the 26th of December and I’ll have a couple weeks with them so that’ll be really good.”
The Hawke's Bay native is just one of many from New Zealand’s current core of exceptional motorsport exports doing great things across the globe.
Lawson told SENZ that New Zealand should be proud of the likes of Shane van Gisbergen (NASCAR), Mitch Evans (Formula E) and Scott McLaughlin (IndyCar).
“Giltrap got us all together last year - everyone from Scott Dixon to myself was there and that was really cool to see the talent in that room,” he said.
“We have so many talented drivers across the different disciplines and we should all be proud of that as Kiwis."
Listen to the full interview below:
