22-year-old racer Liam Lawson is set to return to the grid from the GP in Austin, taking over Daniel Ricciardo’s seat and thus joining Yuki Tsunoda. This comes as a huge relief for Lawson and his family, who have been hoping for a new opportunity in Formula 1 since his debut in 2023. However, the New Zealander is not celebrating too early; he must first prove himself at Visa RB before he is offered a permanent contract.
“I didn’t get this opportunity for nothing,” Liam Lawson stated to the New Zealand Herald on Monday. The young New Zealander seems confident, but he does not deny that he must first earn his future in Formula 1. “Everything is based on performance,” he continued. Although he now has the chance to prove himself at Visa RB, he is aware that a permanent spot for next year is not yet a certainty.
Understanding the Uncertainty of a Racing Contract
“Even if you have a contract for a whole year, or a multi-year contract, it can be broken,” explained the 22-year-old driver from Hastings. “Nothing is set in stone; I am not guaranteed a seat for next year.” Liam Lawson sees the upcoming six Grands Prix as an opportunity to showcase his best side. “That’s why they gave me this opportunity: to prepare myself, so hopefully I can race again next year. But they still have to evaluate how I perform in the car.”
‘Relief’
Lawson candidly shared how he was finally able to tell his family that he would be back on the grid. The family has sacrificed a lot to get the young driver into Formula 1. “Everyone I called – my family, my father and mother, and all the wonderful people who have believed in me from day one – their first reaction was exactly the same,” he said.
“It wasn’t excitement or joy, it was relief. I could hear it in their voices after how long it has taken and how much hard work and sacrifice has been required, especially from my family.” Lawson had the opportunity to substitute for the injured Daniel Ricciardo in five races in 2023 and has since been waiting for a chance to return to the premier class.
