Liam Lawson, thrust into action as a substitute for the injured Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri, is ready to face a new challenge as he navigates a potential dry track for the Dutch Grand Prix. The young driver’s rapid transition to Formula 1 has been further intensified by the prospect of changing weather conditions.
Initially overlooked for the AlphaTauri seat, Lawson was focused on his Super Formula title pursuit while Ricciardo joined the junior team. However, a crash by Ricciardo during FP2 at Zandvoort led to a broken hand and an unexpected opportunity for Lawson in Formula 1.
Although Lawson encountered wet conditions during the final practice session and the initial qualifying stage, the track dried as the sessions progressed. With changeable weather forecasts for the race, Lawson may face a different scenario if the track remains dry on Sunday.
After qualifying, Lawson expressed his sympathy for Ricciardo’s situation and his excitement for the opportunity to race in Formula 1. He described the day as hectic due to the challenging conditions, particularly during his first time driving on intermediate tires. Despite the learning curve, Lawson felt comfortable in the car and aimed to maximize his performance.
Reflecting on the unpredictable grip levels during qualifying, Lawson acknowledged that he didn’t fully exploit his potential. He highlighted the physical demands of racing in wet conditions, anticipating that a dry track would present a more demanding race environment.
Describing the Zandvoort track as tricky and demanding confidence, Lawson acknowledged the challenge of learning the track quickly. If the race takes place in dry conditions, he expects a steep learning curve as he adapts to the car’s behavior on dry compound tires and faces the track’s unique characteristics.
Liam Lawson’s participation in the Dutch Grand Prix will mark a significant moment for New Zealand motorsport, as he becomes the first New Zealander to start a Formula 1 race since Brendon Hartley’s last appearance for Red Bull’s junior team in 2018.
