F1 News: Liam Lawson Makes Position Clear To AlphaTauri - "Wouldn't Be Happy"

Liam Lawson has made his position clear of where he wants to be for the 2024 season.

Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson has made his position clear as the AlphaTauri team has to decide who will take the permanent seats for the upcoming 2024 season, stating that he "wouldn't be happy to go back to being [a] reserve [driver]."

The Italian team is yet to confirm either seat for 2024. Yuki Tsunoda's current contract is due to expire at the end of the year but is expected to announce a contract extension imminently. Daniel Ricciardo, who came in to replace Nyck de Vries after ten races has been recovering after breaking his wrist during the Dutch GP practice is another popular choice for the team. 

Lawson has been standing in for Ricciardo since his injury and has been putting in some incredibly impressive performances, including taking home 2 points in the Singapore Grand Prix. 

Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr Helmut Marko recently confirmed that whichever driver they do not choose for a full-time seat will be the reserve driver for both AlphaTauri and Red Bull.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, Lawson has made his position clear. He explained:

"I wouldn't be happy to go back to being reserve. Obviously, I know how hard it is to get into Formula 1 and I understand that that can be really difficult sometimes.

"So obviously, what will happen, will happen, but these things I just haven't really thought about too much. I'm just trying to make the most of this."

Lawson will continue to stand in for Ricciardo in Japan and possibly in Qatar. There have also been rumours of Williams eyeing up the promising New Zealander if he does not secure a full-time seat with AlphaTauri. Lawson continued:

"There hasn't been a huge amount of time to discuss the future. On what's happened so far, it's been pretty positive.

"But I guess the message for me has just been to keep my head down now and try and keep delivering until obviously things clear up, until this opportunity I have ends when Daniel comes back. It's basically just doing a good job but keep doing the same thing.

"Obviously, I want to be in Formula 1. Now I have this chance, I'm trying to do everything I can to show that I can be here. But in terms of all those discussions, those will happen after this weekend."