Liam Lawson has quickly become one of the most intriguing young talents in Formula 1, especially as he approaches the final races of the 2024 season. After being unexpectedly called up to replace Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull, Lawson has shown he can handle the pressures of competing at the highest level. With every race, Lawson’s stock in the F1 paddock has risen, and now, all eyes are on him to see how he will perform in his remaining opportunities this season.
The question on everyone’s mind is: can Liam Lawson finish the 2024 season strong enough to secure a full-time seat for 2025? With competitive races ahead in Austin, Mexico, and Brazil, Lawson faces a tough challenge, but his impressive adaptability and determination have made him a driver to watch. As he gears up for these crucial races, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the young New Zealander.
Overview of Liam Lawson’s Performance in 2023
Liam Lawson’s opportunity to race in Formula 1 came in 2023, when he was called up by AlphaTauri as a replacement for Daniel Ricciardo, who suffered a hand injury during the Dutch Grand Prix. This unexpected debut gave Lawson a chance to show his talent at the highest level of motorsport. Lawson participated in several races, including the Dutch, Italian, Singapore, and Japanese Grands Prix, where he gained valuable experience and caught the attention of F1 insiders.
Strong Adaptability and Racecraft
Despite having minimal preparation and being thrust into a competitive environment, Lawson adapted quickly to the demands of Formula 1. His debut at Zandvoort (Dutch GP) was in tricky, wet conditions, but Lawson managed to finish the race without major mistakes, impressing with his composure. Over the next few races, Lawson’s ability to compete with more experienced drivers became evident.
In Italy (Monza), Lawson achieved his first points finish, taking 9th place in a race that tested his consistency and pace on a high-speed circuit. This result not only demonstrated his racecraft but also his ability to handle pressure, especially as he was driving in front of F1’s Italian fanbase on a historically significant track.
Key Performances and Growth
Throughout his stint in Formula 1, Lawson consistently showed improvement. His performance at the Singapore Grand Prix was particularly notable, where the street circuit’s challenging layout highlighted his focus and skill. Lawson finished ahead of more seasoned drivers, proving that he could compete effectively in different racing conditions.
Lawson’s learning curve was steep, but his performances gave AlphaTauri and Red Bull confidence in his potential. While his role as a substitute ended when Ricciardo returned from injury, Lawson’s 2023 performances left a lasting impression, marking him as a strong candidate for future full-time opportunities.
Upcoming Challenges in the Final Races
Liam Lawson has stepped in to replace Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri during the 2024 season as part of a team decision to rotate their drivers and give Lawson a chance to prove his skills. Ricciardo, after rejoining the F1 grid in 2023, has seen his future with AlphaTauri and Red Bull under some scrutiny as the team explores options for 2025. Lawson’s opportunity comes at a crucial time, allowing him to demonstrate his capabilities in real race conditions, as AlphaTauri evaluates its driver lineup for the future. Lawson’s performances in these final races could determine whether he secures a full-time seat moving forward.
As Liam Lawson approaches the final races of the 2024 season, he faces several challenges that will test his skills, adaptability, and mental toughness. The last few races of the season—Austin (United States), Mexico, and Brazil—each present their unique difficulties, especially for a young driver trying to cement his place on the Formula 1 grid.
Track-Specific Challenges
Each of the remaining circuits offers distinct challenges that will push Lawson’s abilities to the limit. The Circuit of the Americas (Austin) is a fast, technical track with significant elevation changes, including its signature uphill climb into the first corner. The circuit demands precision and a well-balanced car, especially through the tricky Esses section. For Lawson, this will require fine-tuning his driving style to maximize lap times on a track where small mistakes can lead to big time losses.
Mexico City’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez poses different challenges, particularly with its high altitude. The thin air reduces aerodynamic downforce and engine power, making it tricky to manage braking and tire wear. Lawson will need to manage these factors while navigating one of the shortest tracks on the calendar, which also features a high-speed first sector and a tight stadium section that can test a driver’s concentration.
Brazil’s Interlagos is known for its unpredictable weather and passionate fanbase. The track itself is a mix of high-speed straights and slower technical sections, requiring a well-rounded approach to car setup and race strategy. Interlagos has historically produced dramatic races, so Lawson will need to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions and potential safety car scenarios that could shake up the order.
Competing Against Top-Tier Teams
As a young driver in a mid-tier team, Lawson must battle not only the intricacies of the circuits but also the competitive field of established drivers from teams like Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari. While he has shown promise in his races so far, the level of competition in Formula 1’s final races will be fierce. With the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships still on the line, the leading teams will be pushing to extract every bit of performance from their cars.
Lawson will be under pressure to deliver strong results against seasoned drivers fighting for championship points. Maintaining his focus in such an intense environment will be crucial, as even small mistakes could cost him valuable positions and undermine his case for securing a full-time seat in 2025.
What Does Lawson Need to Secure a 2025 Seat?
As Liam Lawson competes in the final races of 2024, his performances are under close scrutiny from both AlphaTauri and the broader Formula 1 paddock. Securing a full-time seat for 2025 is within reach, but it depends on several key factors, including his consistency, ability to handle pressure, and how he stacks up against other potential drivers for next season.
Current Contract Situation
Lawson’s role as Daniel Ricciardo’s replacement at AlphaTauri has put him in the spotlight. AlphaTauri, a junior team to Red Bull, is considering its options for 2025, with Lawson having the potential to become a permanent driver. As a Red Bull-backed driver, Lawson has the advantage of being part of a strong driver development pipeline, but he faces competition from others within the Red Bull system, including current teammates and even drivers from outside the Red Bull umbrella.
Strong Finishes Are Key
To secure a full-time seat for 2025, Lawson needs to deliver strong finishes in the remaining races of 2024. Points finishes will be crucial to demonstrating his competitiveness, especially as AlphaTauri and Red Bull will be looking for drivers who can consistently contribute to both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. Lawson has already proven his adaptability and quick learning ability, but to cement his future in Formula 1, he will need to show that he can consistently challenge more experienced drivers and avoid mistakes.
