Helmut Marko on Liam Lawson: “Perhaps he will secure a permanent seat.”
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has hinted that the 21-year-old New Zealand driver, who is currently filling in for Daniel Ricciardo, may get his chance next year.
As seat confirmations have been coming in these past weeks, one team remains without any members for the next season, AlphaTauri. On one hand, Yuki Tsunoda, already in his fourth season with the Faenza-based team, has not yet officially renewed his contract which will expire at the end of the season. However, it would be surprising to see Red Bull part ways with the Japanese driver, who is in good form this season considering the underperforming car at his disposal.
On the other side of the garage, Daniel Ricciardo wants to find his way back to a seat at Red Bull in 2025, but is also not certain of being retained as a full-time driver by the sister team.
Also, there is a third man who could claim a place on the grid next year. The young Liam Lawson, a member of the Red Bull Junior Team, was appointed as a reserve driver for AlphaTauri but did not get the opportunity to replace Nyck de Vries when the Dutchman was let go.
Lawson in a good position
The one who races in Super Formula – the Japanese single-seater championship – still had his chance in F1 after Daniel Ricciardo’s injury, at Zandvoort, and he did well since he performed better than Tsunoda in the two Grand Prix he competed in. This could allow him to aim for a seat alongside the Japanese driver next year, especially since he regularly receives praise from Dr. Helmut Marko, the head of the Red Bull driver development program.
The Austrian recently stated on the Austrian channel Servus TV that a title in Japan could open the doors to Lawson. A title that he can win. « This might mean that he will obtain a permanent seat in F1 instead of a reserve driver role. This could happen quickly. »
« He showed that he was good enough to compete in Formula 1, and he must now confirm this progress in the upcoming races, says Marko. It’s great for the young New Zealander who will have more chances to show his worth, as his temporary position in the elite should continue, with Daniel Ricciardo not yet being fit.
