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

Liam Lawson's rise
Taking over for Ricciardo
Part of Red Bull since 2022
Respectable first results
Impressed in Japan
Finished second in the standings
Called back up
Adaptability
Compared to Bruce McLaren
Looking for a permanent spot in F1
A rapid rise
Ready for new challenges
Backed by Helmut Marko
Full time in 2025?
Next few months will be crucial
All eyes on Lawson
Liam Lawson's rise

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.

Taking over for Ricciardo

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?

Part of Red Bull since 2022

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.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

Respectable first results

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.

Impressed in Japan

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.

Finished second in the standings

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.

Called back up

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.

Adaptability

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.

Compared to Bruce McLaren

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.

Looking for a permanent spot in F1

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​.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

A rapid rise

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.

Ready for new challenges

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.

Backed by Helmut Marko

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​.

Full time in 2025?

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.

Next few months will be crucial

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.

All eyes on Lawson

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.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

More for you