New Zealand’s Liam Lawson has steadily carved out a reputation as one of Formula 1’s most promising young drivers. His journey through the junior categories saw him claim victories and accolades, but his recent stint as a substitute driver brought his name back into headline contention. Now, as the F1 driver market enters its most unpredictable phase in years, the question on every fan’s lips is whether Lawson can finally cement a full-time seat on the grid.
Lawson’s opportunity last year came under dramatic circumstances, stepping in for Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri following Ricciardo’s hand injury. Thrust suddenly into the high-pressure world of F1 racing, Lawson impressed both insiders and onlookers with performances that belied his novice status. His run to ninth place in Singapore was a highlight, especially given the challenging nature of the street circuit and the unpredictable conditions faced throughout the weekend.
Yet, as quickly as his opportunity appeared, Lawson found himself back on the sidelines once Ricciardo returned to fitness. The reality of Formula 1’s political and commercial complexities became clear: talent alone doesn’t always guarantee a seat. For the Kiwi racer, this was a difficult pill to swallow, especially having demonstrated his racecraft and adaptability when it mattered most.
As the F1 paddock prepares for the next seismic shift in its driver line-up, speculation is rife not only about the future of Sergio Pérez at Red Bull Racing and the second seat at AlphaTauri (now rebranded as Visa Cash App RB), but also about whether Lawson’s hard work will be rewarded. His supporters point to his resilience and technical understanding. Many in the sport insist that, although Lawson’s initial dejection following his demotion to reserve status was clear, he has since transformed that disappointment into renewed motivation, ensuring he is prepared for every possible scenario.
Lawson’s test and simulator work, often underrated outside team circles, has continued to be the backbone of RB's development program. Engineers frequently praise his ability to provide detailed feedback, which has helped sharpen both Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda’s performances during race weekends. While these contributions may not always be visible to fans, they are critical for teams—especially those seeking incremental gains in the fiercely competitive midfield.
This season, the pressure within the Red Bull driver stable is higher than ever. Yuki Tsunoda’s consistent performances have made him a favorite for retention, while Ricciardo, once considered a likely candidate to reclaim a top seat, now faces scrutiny over his pace and long-term potential. Herein lies Lawson’s chance—teams are looking for youthful hunger and fresh perspectives, and few match Lawson’s blend of tenacity and technical acumen.
Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr. Helmut Marko has publicly acknowledged Lawson’s progress and potential, stoking the rumor mill with suggestions that the New Zealander could be rewarded with a full-time drive. Nevertheless, the competition for seats is relentless, with Red Bull’s junior program stacked with up-and-coming talent and several experienced drivers on the market. For Lawson, simply waiting in the wings is no longer enough; seizing any opportunity with decisive on-track performances and continual off-track professionalism is essential.
For fans, Liam Lawson’s journey encapsulates the emotional rollercoaster inherent to Formula 1: the thrill of unexpected opportunity, the heartbreak of political reality, and—perhaps soon—the triumph of perseverance. As the season unfolds, all eyes are on the shifting landscape of contracts, hoping that this resilient Kiwi gets the chance to prove himself in the highest echelon of motorsport.
