In the thrilling and competitive world of Formula 1 racing, every opportunity on the track counts. For newcomer Liam Lawson, that truth resonates even louder. Fresh on the heels of two electrifying Grand Prix weekends with AlphaTauri, Lawson is seizing the moment, admitting his burgeoning affection for the high-octane sport.
A Fortuitous Start
Lawson’s unexpected debut arrived after the unfortunate accident of Daniel Ricciardo. The seasoned Australian racer suffered a broken hand in a practice crash in the Netherlands. This unforeseen incident paved the way for Lawson, who not only took Ricciardo’s place but also made a commendable mark, finishing a whisker away from the points at Monza with an impressive P11.
Speaking about his experience, the 21-year-old from New Zealand reflected, “Right now, it’s race-by-race, and basically we see in the future”. His methodical approach highlights a racer’s unwavering focus on the present while keeping an eye on the long game.
When prodded about the 2024 season, Lawson’s response illuminated his growing passion: “I’d say now that I’ve had a taste, it’s definitely something I’ve fallen in love with and I don’t think I can settle for anything less”.
The Road Ahead
With the 2024 season approaching, speculation abounds regarding team lineups. AlphaTauri, which also currently boasts talent like Yuki Tsunoda, remains conspicuously silent on their driver roster for the next season.
For Lawson, this represents both a challenge and an opportunity. When asked about securing a permanent seat for the upcoming season, Lawson’s pragmatic take was clear: “I think it’s just making the most of the situation now”.
Recognizing the rarity and significance of such an opportunity in the world of F1, he added, “It’s obviously very rare that you get an opportunity to drive in F1 and I have it now, so it’s just making the most of it”.