Liam Lawson talks about the devastating 2024 season when Daniel Ricciardo was replaced.

The 2024 Formula 1 season was expected to be a year of opportunity for many young drivers, but for Liam Lawson, it turned out to be a season filled with frustration and unfulfilled potential. The young New Zealander had impressed many in the paddock with his substitute appearances in 2023, stepping in for Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri, now rebranded as Visa Cash App RB. His strong performances against experienced competition had created widespread speculation that he would secure a full-time seat for 2024. However, when the final driver lineup was announced, it became clear that Lawson would not be part of the grid, a decision that stunned both fans and experts.

For a driver who had shown so much promise, missing out on a seat was a crushing blow. But the real twist came when Daniel Ricciardo, the very driver Lawson had previously replaced due to injury, was dropped mid-season. While this decision opened up an opportunity within Red Bull’s junior team, it was not Lawson who was given the call to step in. Instead, another driver took the place, leaving Lawson once again on the sidelines.

Now, with the season behind him, Lawson has spoken openly about the disappointment, the challenges of watching from the sidelines, and what the future might hold for him in Formula 1.

The Frustration of Watching from the Sidelines

Liam Lawson’s performances in 2023 had positioned him as one of the most exciting young talents in the sport. When Ricciardo suffered a hand injury and was unable to race, Lawson stepped in and immediately showed his ability to compete at a high level. He managed to outperform teammate Yuki Tsunoda on several occasions and proved that he was capable of handling the pressure of Formula 1.

Despite this, Red Bull opted to retain Ricciardo and Tsunoda for 2024, leaving Lawson without a full-time seat. Instead, he was given the role of reserve driver for both Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App RB, a position that required him to be on standby but did not guarantee any race outings.

For Lawson, this meant spending the season traveling with the team, preparing for every race as though he might be needed, but ultimately watching from the sidelines. The frustration of being so close to the action yet unable to participate was difficult to manage. Unlike drivers who spend time in other racing series while waiting for an F1 opportunity, Lawson’s role as a reserve meant he had no competitive racing schedule outside of Formula 1.

Throughout the early part of the season, he remained professional and focused, knowing that injuries or unforeseen circumstances could present an opportunity. However, when Ricciardo was ultimately replaced, Lawson was overlooked once again, making the disappointment even greater.

Daniel Ricciardo’s Sudden Exit and the Impact on Lawson

Daniel Ricciardo’s return to Formula 1 had been seen as a major comeback story. After losing his McLaren seat in 2022, Ricciardo spent time as Red Bull’s third driver before getting another chance with their junior team in mid-2023. While there were high hopes for his return, the 2024 season did not go as planned.

The Australian struggled to find consistent form, often lagging behind Tsunoda and failing to deliver the performances that Red Bull had expected. While Ricciardo remained a fan favorite and a major commercial asset, his on-track struggles eventually forced the team to make a tough decision.

Midway through the season, Visa Cash App RB announced that Ricciardo would be replaced. This decision was shocking in itself, as Red Bull had initially backed Ricciardo as a potential future option for their main team. However, what truly surprised many was that Lawson was not chosen as his replacement.

Despite having proven himself as a strong substitute in the past, the team opted to bring in a different driver. This move raised questions about where Lawson stood within Red Bull’s future plans. If he was not considered the right choice for the junior team at that moment, what did it mean for his long-term prospects?

Lawson’s Perspective on the Season and His Future

Now, reflecting on the events of 2024, Liam Lawson has spoken openly about his disappointment. He acknowledged that missing out on a full-time seat was tough to accept, especially given the effort he had put into preparing for an opportunity.

However, despite his frustration, Lawson remains determined to prove himself. He has emphasized that while sitting out a season was not ideal, he still sees a path forward in Formula 1. His goal remains unchanged—to secure a race seat and show that he belongs at the highest level.

Lawson has also addressed the speculation surrounding his future. While he remains a Red Bull-affiliated driver, questions have been raised about whether he should explore opportunities outside the Red Bull system. Other teams have expressed interest in his talent, and if Red Bull does not offer him a seat in the near future, he may need to consider alternative options.

The Politics of Red Bull’s Driver Decisions

One of the major factors in Lawson’s situation is the complex and sometimes unpredictable nature of Red Bull’s driver management. The company has a history of making sudden decisions regarding their driver lineup, sometimes promoting young talent aggressively, while at other times prioritizing experienced drivers.

In 2024, the decision to retain Ricciardo initially and then replace him mid-season demonstrated how quickly things can change within the Red Bull system. While Lawson was seen as a logical choice for the junior team, the final decision did not go in his favor.

Part of this may come down to Red Bull’s long-term strategy. They have multiple young drivers in their program, and balancing their development while maintaining a competitive lineup can be challenging. Additionally, the team’s decisions are influenced not just by pure performance but also by marketing and sponsorship considerations. Ricciardo, for example, was an extremely valuable figure from a commercial perspective, which may have played a role in Red Bull’s initial commitment to him.

For Lawson, this means that simply proving his talent may not be enough. He will need to navigate the political landscape of Formula 1 carefully, ensuring that he is in the right place at the right time when the next opportunity arises.

What Comes Next for Lawson?

Despite the setbacks of 2024, Liam Lawson remains one of the most promising young drivers in the sport. His performances in 2023 showed that he has the skill to compete at the highest level, and many in the F1 community believe that he deserves a seat.

Looking ahead, the key question is where Lawson’s next opportunity will come from. If Red Bull does not open a seat for him in 2025, he may need to look elsewhere. Other teams may be willing to take a chance on him, especially if they are looking for fresh talent to build their future around.

Lawson has also hinted that he is keeping all options open, including opportunities outside of Formula 1. While his primary goal remains securing a place on the F1 grid, he understands that in a sport as unpredictable as Formula 1, flexibility is important.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 season was a difficult one for Liam Lawson, marked by disappointment and missed opportunities. Watching from the sidelines as Daniel Ricciardo struggled and was eventually replaced, only to be overlooked for the seat himself, was a tough experience. However, Lawson remains determined to carve out a place for himself in Formula 1.

His talent is undeniable, and his resilience will be key in overcoming the setbacks he has faced. While his immediate future remains uncertain, one thing is clear—Liam Lawson is not giving up on his dream of becoming a full-time Formula 1 driver. Whether it happens with Red Bull or another team, the next chapter of his career will be crucial in defining his path in the sport.