At the beginning of 2023, AlphaTauri had lost their ace Pierre Gasly to Alpine. Following that the Faenza-based constructor deployed the Honey Badger to help with their development. But luck would have it otherwise. Liam Lawson turned heads up and down the grid as soon as he replaced an injured Daniel Ricciardo. Over the last 5 races, he has consistently shown why he is deserving of a full-time seat in Formula 1. Yet his future in F1 hangs in the balance, as Ricciardo returns to the Italian outfit at the Austin GP.

The 2023 Qatar GP marked the end of Lawson’s stint as Ricciardo’s substitute. His performance in the first 4 races had received applause from the likes of Christian Horner and Helmut Marko. Circuit Lusail proved to be challenging for rookies and veterans alike. The conditions clearly affected Lawson’s drive. The super-sub finished P17, achieving his lowest finish after replacing Ricciardo. In the earlier races, Lawson had bested Yuki Tsunoda on multiple occasions. He also outperformed Tsunoda at Suzuka. Unfortunately for Lawson, this remarkable feat proved to come a little too late, because Ricciardo and Tsunoda have been confirmed to be the 2024 driver line-up for AlphaTauri.

A shocking Qatar GP spelled trouble for Liam Lawson

After a tantalizing display of his adaptability and calm demeanor, the Kiwi rookie could not help but feel poorly about the result. The AT04 proved to be a mighty challenge under the harsh conditions in Lusail. Not only was the race physically draining, but a constant battle with an unhappy car. Lawson shared his thoughts on the drive as quoted by Formula Passion, “It was really complicated out there, from the beginning of the race we had no speed and throughout the course we had to manage some stability problems.”

“It was very hot and when you have difficulty with the car it becomes even more difficult to find the rhythm. It seems to be my last race with the team before Daniel’s return, I want to thank the team from the bottom of my heart and it’s a shame to end like this.” [translated via Google]

Trending

MET Gala 2024: Travis Kelce Left Awestruck as Lewis Hamilton Steals the Show With Black History- Inspired Look On the Red Carpet

May 07, 2024 10:04 AM EDT

After GF Alexandra Saint Mleux Gets Mistaken as Future Wife, Charles Leclerc Debuts His Son Leo at the Miami GP

May 07, 2024 08:19 PM EDT

Adrian Newey Will Join Mercedes With Max Verstappen Than Help Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, Claims F1 Expert

May 08, 2024 05:26 PM EDT

“This Is a Joke Right?”: Rebecca Donaldson and Alexandra Saint Mleux’s Endorsement of F1 Academy Leaves Fans Fuming

May 04, 2024 08:09 PM EDT

Lando Norris’ Rumored GF Magui Caught ”Keeping an Eye” Despite 3000 Miles Separating The Lovebirds

May 05, 2024 01:30 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Although Tsunoda got the better of Lawson at the Qatar GP, he was not far off. The Japanese driver seemed to struggle with the car’s pace. After the race, Tsunoda expressed, “Today it was tough and warmer than in Singapore, so it was definitely a challenging race – he added – my start was good and smooth, I recovered positions and I was in the points zone. I felt good inside the car and the balance was also good, but we were just too slow and couldn’t keep up the pace.”

Speaking on Lawson’s exit, Tsunoda said, “I think Liam might not drive for us to Austin, so I want to thank him because he did a great job. I enjoyed the time spent together as good friends and teammates.”

Vomiting, Fainting, and Seeking Ambulance: Qatar GP Unleashed “Hell” on F1 Drivers

Lawson’s performance has definitely had a lasting impression despite his disappointment. Red Bull Racing boss, Christian Horner, stated that the “Super-Sub” could not have done anymore to further his case. This is a clear sign that Red Bull‘s plans for the young Kiwi stretch beyond 2023.

Marko’s plans for Lawson’s future