There is a renewed sense of excitement around Liam Lawson’s place in the ever-evolving world of Formula 1. The young New Zealander, who impressed last season when given a brief but formidable opportunity to prove himself on the sport’s biggest stage, has found his stock rising again as seats for 2025 begin to be discussed in earnest. For fans and pundits alike, the question now lingers: has Lawson truly done enough to secure a coveted spot on next year’s F1 grid?
Lawson, currently fulfilling his role as a reserve driver for the Red Bull family, left an indelible impression during his five Grand Prix appearances in 2023 when Daniel Ricciardo was sidelined due to injury. Despite being hastily dropped into the seat at AlphaTauri (now known as RB), Lawson showcased not only raw speed but also the poise and maturity expected from a much more seasoned driver. His performances in challenging circumstances—including a memorable points finish at the Singapore Grand Prix—signaled to team bosses that there’s real potential waiting to be unleashed.
While Red Bull has traditionally promoted talent from its thriving junior programme, the competition for seats in both the senior and junior teams has never been fiercer. Yuki Tsunoda’s consistency and Daniel Ricciardo’s experience present significant obstacles. Nevertheless, the unique skill set and relentless work ethic demonstrated by Lawson seem to have kept him very much in the conversation as RB considers its future driver lineup.
The 2024 season so far has seen Lawson remain ready on the sidelines, tirelessly preparing for another shot while contributing critical feedback during simulator sessions and race debriefs. His situation is reminiscent of many reserve drivers who have had to wait in the wings, never knowing when a fresh opportunity might arise. Recent statements from RB’s management suggest that while current contracts are respected, the door is far from closed on Lawson. The paddock’s rumor mill is abuzz: some insiders believe that, depending on mid-season performance dynamics, Lawson could well find himself once more thrust into the limelight before the year is out.
Hungarian F1 fans are no strangers to the pain and politics of seat retention and promotion. The modern F1 environment rewards adaptability and resilience as much as outright pace. Lawson’s consistent application to his craft—both in and out of the cockpit—echoes the likes of past greats who tirelessly honed their skills off-track, seizing any and every opportunity to impress. His integration into crucial team operations, technical meetings, and marketing events has further cemented his reputation as a consummate professional.
Yet the question remains: what more can he do to tip the scales in his favor? The answer likely lies in a combination of timing, internal team strategy, and a dash of fortune. Teams like RB and Red Bull constantly reassess priorities in the face of driver market movements and shifting results. If there is a mid-season shakeup or a setback for a current driver, a prepared and hungry Lawson might yet get his chance to shine under the spotlight once again.
Looking ahead, the chessboard of F1 seats is hardly static. While nothing is guaranteed, Lawson’s case is unique: he offers not just proven speed and composure, but also a rare patience that many young drivers lack. His journey so far stands as a powerful reminder that Formula 1 is not merely about blazing qualifying laps, but also about positioning oneself smartly, technically, and mentally for longevity.
For Hungarian and international fans alike, Liam Lawson’s story is one to watch. His talent is unquestionable, his approach admirable—and in a paddock constantly searching for the next breakout star, the young Kiwi has already shown he’s capable of delivering when called upon. Whether 2025 will be the year his patience is finally rewarded, only time will tell, but few would bet against a determined racer with a proven ability to rise to the occasion.
