Who is Liam Lawson, the Kiwi star succeeding Daniel Ricciardo at RB?

Liam Lawson, a young New Zealander rapidly making a name for himself in Formula 1, has been tapped as the replacement for Daniel Ricciardo for the final six races of the 2024 season.

Ricciardo (pictured), an eight-time Grand Prix winner, has been axed from the RB team following a lackluster and injury-hampered 12 months at Red Bull's sister team, allowing the 22-year-old Lawson to step into one of motorsport’s biggest arenas. So, who is Liam Lawson, and why is there so much excitement around his rise?

Lawson’s journey to Formula 1 has been anything but cruisy. He has long been a part of the Red Bull Racing system, serving as a reserve driver since 2022. However, his moment to shine came unexpectedly when Ricciardo suffered a wrist injury in a practice session for the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix.

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Lawson was called in with very little time to prepare and impressed by finishing a respectable 13th, followed by even better performances in subsequent races like the Italian Grand Prix, where he placed 11th.

Before his F1 debut, Lawson had already proven his prowess on the racetrack. He spent the 2023 season competing in Japan’s Super Formula series, where his impressive performances made it clear that he had the potential for an F1 seat.

By the time he was called up as Ricciardo’s replacement, he had already gained substantial experience, finishing second in the Super Formula standings​, as reported by RNZ.

Ricciardo’s return to Formula 1 in mid-2023 was met with great anticipation, especially among fans who were excited to see the charismatic Australian back behind the wheel for AlphaTauri. Unfortunately, after only a few races, Ricciardo’s injury created an opportunity for Lawson to take his place.

Lawson filled in for Ricciardo at five races in 2023, where he demonstrated impressive composure and raw talent under immense pressure. His ability to adapt quickly to the challenging conditions of F1 impressed both his team and the broader motorsport community.

According to Red Bull's team advisor Helmut Marko, Lawson’s driving was smart and strategic, reminding him of New Zealand motorsport legend Bruce McLaren​, RNZ reported.

For the 2024 season, Lawson will race in the final six events, with his first appearance set for the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin on October 20. These races will serve as a pivotal moment in his career, with speculation mounting that Lawson could be in the running for a permanent F1 seat in the near future​.

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Lawson’s rise through the ranks of motorsport can be attributed to his speed, skill, and adaptability. According to motorsport experts, such as Edd Straw from The Race, his ability to step into a Formula 1 car on short notice and deliver strong performances speaks volumes about his potential. He has consistently outperformed expectations, showing a calm, focused demeanor that sets him apart from other young drivers.

His performance in Japan’s Super Formula series was a testament to his racing skill. Competing in one of the toughest racing environments outside of F1, Lawson finished second overall, highlighting his readiness for bigger challenges.

Moreover, Lawson has gained the confidence of key figures within the Red Bull Racing organization. Helmut Marko told RNZ that he thought that Lawson was not only fast but also a "smart fighter" on the track, suggesting that his racing intellect could take him far in his career​.

Lawson’s stint as Ricciardo’s replacement could be more than just a temporary arrangement. With questions swirling about Ricciardo’s long-term future and other potential driver reshuffles within Red Bull’s teams, many see Lawson as a strong contender for a full-time Formula 1 seat in 2025.

Lawson’s future in F1 will likely depend on his performances in these final races. If he continues to deliver, as he did during his earlier opportunities, there is every reason to believe that he could become a permanent fixture on the F1 grid.

For now, all eyes will be on Lawson as he takes to the track in Austin, Mexico, Brazil, and beyond. With the backing of Red Bull and his growing reputation as a talented driver, Liam Lawson's ascent in the world of Formula 1 is only just beginning.

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