Liam Lawson has revealed he has received “no indication” he could join Red Bull Racing in 2025, amid growing rumors he is favorite to replace forced-to-announce Sergio Perez retire or be ousted.
Lawson is considered the driver who would be called upon to take over even if Yuki Tsunoda is still in the running. However, this is not the preferred option judging from what Dr. Marko said.
But while he insisted he was ready to seize the opportunity if it presented itself, Lawson stressed his focus was on RB F1's goal of finishing sixth in the championship this Sunday.
“To be honest, I have absolutely no idea. I hope to find out soon personally, of course, but I'm confident the team will do the right thing and I'm sure they won't let this take too long.”
“It would obviously be the biggest challenge to compete against Max, but in a way it's also the best place on the grid. We learn directly from the best. We have access to his data in every session and we see exactly how he behaves.”
“But, honestly, it's not something I'm thinking about at the moment. This weekend is very, very important. We're fighting for the best possible place in the constructors' championship. That's really what I'm focused. And as a team, that's what we're looking for right now.”
“Beyond that, my goal is to be in a Red Bull Racing in the future. But I have no indication or feeling as to when that might happen. If that opportunity ever presents itself, I think that I would be ready to take it but for now, I'm focusing on this weekend.”
Lawson denied that Red Bull boss Christian Horner or his adviser Helmut Marko had given him any clues during the week about what might happen on Monday, after the shareholders' meeting.
“No, honestly, I had the same exchanges as usual. Advice, focusing on the weekend and obviously doing your best. Then, after the weekend, I will more or less have an idea clearer about what I will do next year.”
Lawson has been involved in several incidents since his return, including an altercation with Perez in Mexico, with Alonso in Brazil and a collision with Valtteri Bottas in Qatar. Lawson denies his aggressive driving was an attempt to impress Red Bull.
“Honestly, I'm racing like I've always done. And it's not something I'm trying to do (impress) or act a certain way to show them anything.”
-“I just try to do the best job I can in the car. That's how I've always done it. And it's up to them whether they like it or not.”
“Obviously if there's anything I'm doing that can be improved they'll tell me and I'll work on it. But as far as my attitude towards a race or a race weekend… nothing exchange.”
“You can always look back on races and you can always do a better job. And I think overall it's good. I'm happy with my performance.”
“But there are things you can observe and learn from, and there are certainly things I can observe during these races that I can learn from for the future.”
“But overall I would say I’m very happy.”
The New Zealander also highlighted how this hectic end to the season allowed him to not have time to worry about 2025.
“Honestly, maybe next week it will be more frustrating to wait, if I don't know. But not right now, because we're still racing.”
“You know, we're at the end of another treble. I've been so busy I haven't really had time to think about my frustration over whether I'll be kept in place or not.”
“I have so much to prepare for or do with these races that that’s really what I’m focusing on.”
