F1 News: Liam Lawson Willing To Put Red Bull Dream To Side For Formula One Entry

Liam Lawson speaks out on his hopes of joining for Formula One grid.

Liam Lawson - Red Bull - VCARB / Red Bull Content Pool

Liam Lawson has indicated his readiness to consider options beyond Red Bull in his quest for a Formula One seat, even if it means stepping away from his dream team.

Key Takeaways:

• Lawson is looking for a permanent position in F1 following a notable temporary engagement with Red Bull's sister team when he stepped in for an injured Daniel Ricciardo last year.
• Despite delivering strong performances, Red Bull's decision to keep Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo leaves Lawson as a reserve.
• Willing to explore other avenues, Lawson aims to secure his place in the F1 2025 lineup, even if it's not with Red Bull.

Liam Lawson - Red Bull - VCARB / Red Bull Content Pool

Liam Lawson's opportunity to substitute for Daniel Ricciardo in Red Bull's sister team not only highlighted his potential but also intensified his desire for a permanent Formula One seat. Despite making a significant impression during these appearances, Red Bull's confirmation of Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo for 2024 relegated Lawson to remain in the reserve role. Nonetheless, Lawson's focus remains on achieving his goal of joining the F1 grid, preferably through the Red Bull development programme where he has been a part for an extensive period.

"Obviously, for me, the dream is to drive with Red Bull, and I’ve been with them now for more than five years," Lawson stated, as quoted by Motorsportweek.com. He continued, "They’re the most competitive team in Formula 1 right now, so if I could choose, I would drive for them."

However, Lawson's realism about his F1 aspirations shines through as he acknowledges the potential need to look beyond Red Bull.

Nov 17, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Alpha Tauri driver Daniel Ricciardo of Australia (3) during / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

"But my dream is to be in Formula 1, and if it can’t be with them, then obviously, I need to try and make that happen with somebody else," Lawson remarked.

Speculations about Lawson's F1 future were stirred by comments from Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who suggested that Lawson would secure a spot on the grid "no later than in 2025", possibly replacing Tsunoda or Ricciardo based on their performances.

Ricciardo has had a frustrating start to the 2024 season with pressure reportedly mounting on the Australian driver to improve his form. Going into the current season, many were under the impression Ricciardo would be in with a fighting chance of a Red Bull seat in 2025 after Sergio Perez's contract expires with the Milton-Keynes-based squad.

All eyes will be on the VCARB drivers, Ricciardo and Tsunoda, to see if a space will open up for Lawson with the team in the future. Otherwise, there are many other contracts expiring on the grid with 13 drivers in total with unconfirmed seats for 2025.