While since the start of the season, doubt has hovered around the location of the number three of the Racing Bulls team, Daniel Ricciardo has definitively left Formula 1. At the end of the Singapore Grand Prix, a month ago From this, the Austrian clan took the heavy decision to part ways with the “Honey Badger” before the end of this 2024 campaign. Expected to become the new starter of the team based in Faenza, Liam Lawson is back in the premier category for compete in the last six races. For the first time in his career, the Hastings native will do his laps on the Austin circuit in Texas.
A heavy responsibility awaits the 22-year-old driver who has never had the opportunity to be behind the wheel of this year’s car, apart from a few Pirelli tests at Mugello with the Red Bull. During this short period of time, the red bull structure will observe the results of the latter. The future of Sergio Perez is not yet certain despite his contract renewal. If Lawson performs, a place could become available alongside Max Verstappen, for the moment nothing is official yet. But it will be difficult this weekend, since he will receive a penalty of several places on the grid due to component changes to his engine.
A real “challenge” for Liam Lawson
In an interview with Newstalk ZB, Liam Lawson spoke about his expectations for the weekend. Despite his first time on the American circuit, the Racing Bulls driver is approaching this ninth stage of the championship without pressure. He sees this opportunity as a challenge.
“It’s still a big jump. I’ve never ridden COTA either, so even though I’ve worked hard, it will be a big challenge. I would say though that I’m better prepared, definitely better prepared this year than last year. At the same time, it’s a little later in the season this year, so these guys have done three quarters of a season, and there’s nothing like it… Obviously I’ve been training like a crazy all year trying to be ready for something like this, but even the few tests I’ve done this year. It will be a challenge in Austin.”
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In Brief
After Daniel Ricciardo’s sad farewell at the end of the Singapore GP, the Australian’s seat was given to Liam Lawson. Following a short freelance period in 2023, the New Zealander finds himself behind the wheel of an F1 again. He will compete in his first race on the Austin track.
