Liam Lawson once again confident and ready for battle
Liam Lawson, swapped for Tsunoda last week, talks about his first sensations with Racing Bulls. Russell and Gasly are optimistic, but realistic about what's to come. One thing's for sure: he's looking forward to racing on the circuit in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Liam Lawson kicked off the day’s press conference by stating that he was determined to prove he had a place in Formula 1 after Red Bull demoted him to its second team after just two races of his first full season.
The New Zealander explained his surprise when he received the phone call from Red Bull announcing his demotion to Racing Bulls. « I didn’t expect it so soon. In China, I had no idea. The decision was made, I guess, the following Monday or Tuesday. » He was in the middle of preparation when Christian Horner called him.
He therefore returned to Racing Bulls and was welcomed with open arms and kindness.
« For me, the essential thing is to be behind the wheel. I have the opportunity, of course, to prove my place in F1, and that’s what I will try to do every time I get in a car, and that’s what I will do this weekend. » explained the 23-year-old driver.
For now, Lawson is focusing on this weekend in Japan, a circuit he loves and knows perfectly because he competed in the Japanese Super Formula, unlike the other two tracks where he started the season, tracks he was unfamiliar with and had to face with a very difficult-to-drive Red Bull. Added to this is the fact that the Racing Bulls is a much easier car to drive than the RB21, which could help him start to harness his talent as early as this weekend.
« Honestly, that’s what I was hoping for from the beginning: to go on a track that I already know, just to prepare well. Now, it’s done. It’s exciting to be here; it’s a track that we all love, I think, as drivers. And it’s one of my favorite tracks, so I’m really looking forward to it. » he stated
The New Zealander hopes for an opportunity this weekend to climb the rankings: I had a good week of preparation and I’m looking forward to driving. He is reassured that this weekend is not in sprint format, as he will need 2 or 3 sessions to get a good handle on the car he has only tested on the simulator. But the rookie is confident because Suzuka is one of his favorite circuits. He just has to prove that he truly deserves his place in the premier discipline.
