Liam Lawson’s performance hints at a regular position in Formula 1, as suggested by Red Bull’s Dr. Helmut Marko.
The experienced Austrian informed Servus TV this week about the current absence of the Alpha Tauri racer, Daniel Ricciardo, whom Lawson is stepping in for.
“Unfortunately, it’s a fairly complicated fracture,” Marko said. ” 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.
“I expect him (Ricciardo) to be able to race again in Qatar at the earliest. Singapore and Suzuka are especially two races that are the most difficult for the hand.”
Before his setback at Zandvoort, Ricciardo was seemingly on track for an Alpha Tauri slot in 2024, possibly followed by a Red Bull Racing position, succeeding Sergio Perez. Yet, 21-year-old Lawson seems to have changed the equation.
“Lawson has been with us for some time,” Marko said, “and he is a true New Zealander, just like Denny Hulme and Bruce McLaren. He takes a tough but smart stance in battles.”
The young talent could have made his mark in Monza if only the team’s strategy had aligned. “He really is a man for the future. He could have won points (at Monza) if his strategy had been good at Alpha Tauri. We unfortunately have to note that.”
Marko continues to laud Lawson’s current standing in Super Formula in Japan. “He is now second in the Super Formula in Japan – a very tough class. Those cars are faster than in Formula 2, but because it is in Japan, there is not much attention of it here. Maybe he can still win there.”
Regarding the future, Franz Tost mentioned at Monza that Yuki Tsunoda seems poised for another season at Alpha Tauri.
“Whether he will be in a car (full-time) or be a reserve driver?” Marko wondered out loud. “As we have already seen, things can move quickly, and we only have four seats.
“He has shown that he is good enough for Formula 1, and now he has to confirm that in the coming races.”
