As Yuki Tsunoda makes his Red Bull debut this weekend, Liam Lawson returns to Racing Bulls. The 23-year-old driver was demoted back to the junior team after just two Grands Prix. At the Suzuka circuit, a track he knows well, Lawson has the opportunity to make amends for his lackluster start to the season. He does not rule out the possibility of a second chance with the main team in the future.
“I think we all know how things work in Formula 1,” Lawson told Motorsport Week in Japan on Thursday. “Things change quickly. Looking back a year ago, I didn’t even have a seat. I was still hoping that I would get to race again. It wasn’t until the end of last year that I got a chance with Racing Bulls, and only after that did Red Bull come into the picture. So a lot has happened in twelve months.”
Of course, Lawson is disappointed about his sudden exit from Red Bull, but for now, he is focused on the new challenge at Racing Bulls. Fueled by a strong desire to prove himself, he hopes to score this weekend. “For me, it’s important to be in the car and prove that I belong in Formula 1,” he explained. “As for my future, all I can do is show that I can drive fast.” Lawson stated that he does not rule out a second chance with Red Bull, provided he can prove himself in the coming period.
Potential Promotion to Red Bull?
“It’s certainly part of the conversation,” he said regarding a possible new promotion, noting that he has no control over it. “I can only focus on racing,” he explained. “That’s why I’m not too concerned about where it’s heading – I don’t really think about it.” The sudden driver change came as a surprise to the 23-year-old New Zealander, who would have liked to have had one last chance at Suzuka, a circuit he knows well.
“I never expected a driver change so soon, but it’s not my decision,” he sighed. “I just have to make the most of this opportunity and the fact that I’m still in Formula 1. Of course, I was surprised by the news. In China, I had no idea, it was only discussed the following Monday or Tuesday. I was preparing for Japan and then I got the call.” Looking ahead to the weekend with Racing Bulls, Lawson is confident of a positive outcome. “All the ingredients are there,” he concluded. “I hope I feel comfortable – we’ll find out this weekend.”
