Liam Lawson is back in the Formula 1 spotlight this weekend as the new driver for Racing Bulls at the highly anticipated Japanese Grand Prix after Red Bull swapped him with Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda in the highly controversial move after only two races.
The young New Zealander, who made an impression last year with his substitute performances, sees Suzuka as the perfect stage to show the world his talent and how he deserves a seat in Formula 1.
“Suzuka is one of my favourite tracks on the calendar,” Lawson said ahead of the race weekend.
“It’s cool to drive and very high speed, which makes it great fun in a Formula One car.”
Having competed in Japan’s Super Formula championship in 2023 and finishing 2nd and 4th in two races during the season, Lawson has an edge at this circuit—a track that demands precision, confidence, and raw speed.
For the 22-year-old, this isn’t just another race. It’s a “big opportunity” to prove himself once again at a team he’s already familiar with.
“I’m really looking forward to racing in Japan this weekend,” he added. “I’ll be giving it everything I have.”
Lawson’s presence in the paddock is stirring conversations about his future in Formula 1. He’s determined to remind the Red Bull hierarchy of his undeniable talent with every chance he gets.
“I’m very excited to work with this team [Racing Bulls] again,” Lawson said, emphasizing his drive to make the most of the opportunity.
Racing Bulls’ Race Director Alan Permane echoed that sentiment:
“We welcome Liam back to the team at a track he knows well from his season in Super Formula in 2023 and look forward to him and Isack (Hadjar) working together to extract the maximum performance from the car here and for the rest of the season.”
Kiwi fans’ support back home has been unwavering, and Lawson has received plenty of it, including messages of support from Kiwi stars such as Shane Van Gisbergen, Matt Payne, Tony Quinn, Daniel Carter, and many more.
With Suzuka’s sweeping corners and demanding layout, Lawson’s experience in Japan could prove invaluable. As he lines up on the grid this weekend, one thing is sure—he’s here to make a statement and won’t be holding back.
Header Image: Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
