Liam Lawson highlights the unpredictability of rookie success in Formula 1, emphasizing no guarantees until drivers take the wheel.
Lawson stated that F1 cars are so different from any other type of single-seater that it’s impossible to know if a young driver can succeed until they get behind the wheel.
Several rookie drivers will join F1 full-time next year, with Kimi Antonelli, Jack Doohan, Oliver Bearman, and Gabriel Bortoleto confirmed.
The quartet has enjoyed successful junior careers on their way to F1, but Lawson emphasized that early achievements mean nothing as they prepare for the next chapter.
“F1 is so different. You can be quick in an F2, you can be quick in many other cars.”
“That doesn’t translate to F1, and vice versa. You can struggle in F2 but have the driving style or be the type of driver who can adapt to an F1.”
“Nobody truly knows how a driver is in F1 until they drive one. You can judge them in junior categories and assess someone based on talent.”
“But until you put them in an F1, you never know their real pace or whether they can handle the load.”
F1 teams will be required to allocate four practice sessions per season starting next year to rookie drivers, ensuring juniors awaiting their turn gain valuable additional experience.
“That’s why these sessions are so important. It’s great that young drivers get a chance, and now it seems there’s a bit of a shift, with team leaders starting to give us more opportunities.”
“Because if they don’t give us a chance, we can’t show them what we’re capable of in F1.”
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Lawson: Uncertainty Over Rookie Potential in F1 Spotlight
Lawson: Uncertainty Over Rookie Potential in F1 Spotlight
