Liam Lawson’s early foray into Formula 1 has left a lasting impression on the person whose opinion matters most at Red Bull, Dr. Helmut Marko. The Kiwi racer’s unexpected entry into the AlphaTauri team midway through the Dutch Grand Prix weekend was met with a remarkable display of skill and adaptability.
Lawson assumed the second AlphaTauri AT04 seat alongside Yuki Tsunoda after Daniel Ricciardo’s unfortunate hand injury during a crash at Zandvoort. Despite the sudden switch, Lawson showcased his composure and finesse throughout a challenging Zandvoort weekend, deftly handling the ever-changing weather conditions and bringing his car home safely.
Helmut Marko, the Red Bull motorsport advisor, expressed his satisfaction with Lawson’s performance, acknowledging the complexity of Ricciardo’s hand fracture. Marko stated, “Unfortunately, it’s a fairly complicated fracture. The assumption is six weeks, and we don’t want to take any risks with that. Luckily, we have found a great replacement in Liam Lawson.”
Lawson’s opportunities continue to grow as Ricciardo’s recovery timeframe extends, giving the young driver a golden chance to impress the Red Bull hierarchy. This opportunity was seized once again as Lawson nearly matched the highly experienced Tsunoda in qualifying at Monza and narrowly missed out on securing a point in the race, finishing 11th.
Marko discussed Ricciardo’s prospects for a return, mentioning Qatar as the earliest possibility. He emphasized the challenges presented by the Singapore and Suzuka races for the injured hand.
Previously, Ricciardo appeared to be the frontrunner for a full-time seat with AlphaTauri next season. Still, Lawson’s impressive form, coupled with his youth, could position him as a more appealing option. Ricciardo’s recent performance, following two challenging years with McLaren, has raised questions.
“Liam Lawson has been with us for some time,” Marko highlighted. “He is a true New Zealander, just like Denny Hulme and Bruce McLaren. He takes a tough but smart stance in battles. He really is a man for the future.”
Marko praised Lawson’s potential and speed, noting that the young driver could have secured points at Monza with a better strategy at AlphaTauri. He concluded by affirming Lawson’s status as a promising talent for the future of Formula 1.
In summary, Liam Lawson’s remarkable debut and impressive performances in Formula 1 have earned him accolades from Helmut Marko, with the Red Bull advisor highlighting Lawson’s potential and suitability for a future in the sport. The Kiwi driver’s ascent could reshape the landscape at AlphaTauri, given his strong showings and youth compared to Daniel Ricciardo.
