F1 News: Liam Lawson Addresses Missing Out On Nyck de Vries' AlphaTauri Seat
Red Bull reserve and junior driver Liam Lawson has addressed the news of Daniel Ricciardo taking Nyck de Vries' AlphaTauri seat.
The Australian eight-time grand prix winner has assumed the driver's seat from de Vries for the ongoing season. The change has left Red Bull junior Lawson without a spot on the F1 grid, at least for now. Lawson, however, grasps why Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has chosen Ricciardo to take over from the Dutch racer.
Lawson, a promising driver from New Zealand, was believed by many to be in the running for de Vries' position after the latter's underwhelming performance. However, AlphaTauri made a decision to lean on experience, bringing Ricciardo into the fold. Ricciardo is now slated to compete in the remaining 12 races of the season.
In a conversation with Motorsport.com, Lawson shared his understanding of the team's decision:
"To jump in mid-season would have been extremely tough, and in AlphaTauri’s position, they were wanting someone experienced who has been in Formula 1 for a long time. So I understand their decision."
Furthermore, Lawson disclosed his desire to complete his current racing season in Super Formula.
"I always wanted to complete the season here [Super Formula],” he explained.
"My goal was to get a seat for next year."
It is also rumoured that Ricciardo's return to the Red Bull family is a move to put pressure on Sergio Perez and if the latter does not show improvements by the end of the season, he could take his seat for 2024. If these rumours are true, this would open the seat up again for Lawson.