Liam Lawson, the promising New Zealander, faces potential mid-season challenges as RB F1’s reserve. His readiness and the complexities of a mid-campaign entry highlight the precarious balance of opportunity and timing.
This week, the 22-year-old New Zealander, who made a strong impression filling in for an injured Daniel Ricciardo for several races in 2023, didn’t hesitate to assert that Ricciardo needs to “step up his game” or risk losing his seat.
From the early days of 2024, Dr. Helmut Marko, F1 consultant for team owner Red Bull, has committed to offering Lawson a full-time seat by 2025 – possibly even sooner.
“Yes, and before that, he should at least participate in a few more races so we can truly assess his potential,” the Austrian declared.
However, Lawson contends that a mid-season entry would not be ideal.
“The issue is that you don’t have optimal self-confidence when you join a car mid-season.”
“Ultimately, in most cases, your teammate has already completed half a season, so you’re already playing catch-up. That’s why it wouldn’t be ideal.”
Yet, he mentioned it would be even more challenging if he had to suddenly replace Sergio Pérez at Red Bull Racing, as he is also the main team’s reserve driver.
“If I had to line up alongside Max Verstappen, it would be incredibly tough regardless, I already know that. But beyond that, it really depends on the situation.”
“If I joined the exclusive club of starters at the beginning of the season, I might have a bit more confidence than mid-way through, because then it would just be a matter of pressure on my shoulders.”
“But if it were offered to me mid-season, I would not say no, obviously. I would still grab the opportunity with both hands.”
Lawson Reluctant for Mid-Season RB F1 Call-Up. Lawson Reluctant for Mid-Season RB F1 Call-Up
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