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Quali. 15 Mar 2025  05:00 - 06:00    |    Race 16 Mar 2025  04:00 - 06:00
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AUSTRALIAN GP

START RACE
Quali. 15 Mar 2025  05:00 - 06:00    |    Race 16 Mar 2025  04:00 - 06:00
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Lawson not eyeing Red Bull yet - aims to beat Tsunoda

Lawson focuses on beating Tsunoda, not eyeing Red Bull seat

17/10/2024

Liam Lawson aims to outperform Yuki Tsunoda but isn’t considering a Red Bull seat yet; Ricciardo’s replacement sets his objective.

Liam Lawson has revealed that Red Bull expects him to “compete” with Yuki Tsunoda, as both drivers aim to impress senior management while vying for a potential promotion to Red Bull Racing in 2025.

The identity of Max Verstappen’s teammate for next year remains unclear, despite Sergio Pérez having a current contract.

In the four weeks since Singapore, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has been vocal about his desire to have a junior driver alongside Verstappen next year.

With Lawson replacing Daniel Ricciardo for the final six races, Red Bull will have the opportunity to evaluate the New Zealander alongside Tsunoda.

If Lawson performs well, it’s possible he could be recruited by Red Bull to partner Verstappen next year. Red Bull seems to continue snubbing Tsunoda despite his performances surpassing those of Nyck de Vries and Ricciardo over the past 18 months.

Speaking at the FIA press conference in Austin, Lawson outlined his expectations regarding a Red Bull seat.

“I think it’s a long way off, honestly. The goal that has been set is the same as when I was 17 and joined the programme.

“It’s more performance-based, and that’s essentially how they’re going to view it. Yuki has done a very good job these last two years, especially this year. He is the benchmark I can compare myself to—he’s the only one with the same car as me.

“I will be directly compared to him. I suppose the goal or expectation from their side is to be alongside him on the grid and in the race. At a minimum.

“As for what that means for next year or the future, I have absolutely no idea. Competing with Yuki is the goal; it has been set.

“It’s not as simple as saying that’s where I want to be. It’s mainly about scoring points for myself, because that’s what the team will judge me on.”

In the short term, Lawson hopes to help RB F1 secure sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship and beat Haas F1.

“Again, the best way to achieve that is to score points. I’m fighting for the team’s sixth place in the championship. Basically, trying to get into the points as quickly as possible is my goal.”

Lawson not eyeing Red Bull yet - aims to beat Tsunoda

Lawson not eyeing Red Bull yet, aims to beat Tsunoda Lawson not eyeing Red Bull yet, aims to beat Tsunoda



F1 Standings 2025
F1 Standings 2025
#
Driver
Points
1
Driver Flag
Max Verstappen
Red Bull
0
2
Driver Flag
Lando Norris
McLaren
0
3
Driver Flag
Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
0
4
Driver Flag
Oscar Piastri
McLaren
0
5
Driver Flag
Carlos Sainz
Williams
0
6
Driver Flag
George Russell
Mercedes
0
#
Team
Points
1
McLaren
Norris & Piastri
0
2
Ferrari
Leclerc & Hamilton
0
3
Red Bull
Verstappen & Lawson
0
4
Mercedes
Russell & Antonelli
0
5
Aston Martin
Alonso & Stroll
0
6
Alpine
Gasly & Doohan
0
F1 Calendar 2025
F1 CALENDAR 2025
Race Date
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Australian
Albert Park
16 Mar
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Chinese
Shanghai International Circuit
23 Mar
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Japanese
Suzuka Circuit
6 Apr
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Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
13 Apr
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Saudi Arabian
Jeddah Street Circuit
20 Apr
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