Liam Lawson talks about the only driver who “deserves a wheel in F1 at the moment” according to him
Liam Lawson believes that former F2 champion Felipe Drugovich is the driver most deserving of a Formula 1 drive. The Brazilian, who has been Aston Martin's test and reserve driver in recent years, remains on the bangs of the grid.
Felipe Drugovich and Liam Lawson faced off in Formula 2 during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. In the first year, the Brazilian finished ahead of the New Zealander by two points, ending eighth compared to ninth for Liam Lawson.
After making his debut in the category with MP Motorsport in 2020, Felipe Drugovich rejoined the team in 2022. Together, they had a dominant season, winning the championship with a 101-point lead over the runner-up, Théo Pourchaire.
Read also: “My story is crazy”: Liam Lawson reveals how “an overtake” earned him a contract with Red Bull Junior
Felipe Drugovich awaits his moment
Following his triumph, Felipe Drugovich became a test and reserve driver for the Aston Martin team, participating in five FP1 sessions as well as three end-of-season tests. During his appearance on the podcast Pitstop, Liam Lawson expressed his admiration for Felipe Drugovich’s performances during his free practice sessions, stating that the 24-year-old Brazilian should be on the grid.
“If there’s anyone who deserves a seat right now, it’s Drugovich,” said the Red Bull driver. “He got into the car and… during his FP1 [in 2023] in Abu Dhabi, he was faster than [Lance] Stroll. He was the second fastest in FP1. And this year [in 2024], I believe he was faster than Fernando [Alonso],” he explains.
Liam Lawson added: « I don’t know the driving plans, maybe there were other factors, but I believe he was faster than Fernando this year in FP1. He deserves a seat. »
Reflecting on how drivers are promoted through F2 and F3, as several rookies join F1 in 2025, Liam Lawson pointed out: « This year especially [it’s happening]. The problem is that it’s a real lottery when you get in. Honestly, it’s so variable from year to year: one year a team is good, but the next year it’s not. The car is the same, the tires are the same, everything is the same, and yet they are slower the following year. »
« MP with Drugovich [in F2], it was the year he dominated everything in a car that wasn’t supposed to be winning. He crushed the competition. »
Felipe Drugovich was recently confirmed to continue his role as a reserve driver at Aston Martin in 2025, where he will share duties with former F1 driver Stoffel Vandoorne.
