Red Bull reserve driver has admitted that “it’s disappointing” to have not been given a seat at AlphaTauri for 2024, given just how well he’s done since replacing the injured Daniel Ricciardo.
Lawson has replaced Ricciardo since Free Practice 3 at the Dutch Grand Prix, after Ricciardo fractured his metacarpal in his left hand in the previous practice session.
Despite recovering well, Ricciardo will once again sit out this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix, meaning Lawson will get at least one more Grand Prix this season.
Red Bull aren’t wanting to “rush anything” when it comes to Ricciardo given that he’s been given a deal to race for the sister side next season, with his full recovery being the most important thing.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
“Something like this takes several weeks, even with normal healing,” Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko told Osterreich newspaper. “You don’t want to rush anything.”
With Lawson still behind the wheel of Ricciardo’s AT04 in Qatar this weekend, it means he’ll get his first experience of a sprint weekend.
He’s aware that this will make life “quite tricky” for him given the minimal practice time there is to accommodate for the sprint, something which doesn’t work well for him given he’s “never driven” at the Lusail International Circuit.
“It’s a sprint weekend so that makes it quite tricky, especially in my situation, said Lawson.
“I’ve never driven here, so going into the sprint weekend will be extra tough.”
With Lawson having already scored points for AlphaTauri and featured in Q3 – both occurred in Singapore – many feel disappointed that the Kiwi hasn’t been given a seat with the team for 2024.
Instead, he’ll continue as Red Bull’s reserve driver, before pushing for an F1 seat once again in 2025.
He is disappointed to have missed out on a 2024 seat but is focused on ensuring he’s on the grid in 2025, something he can increase the chances of by performing well in Qatar.
“In Japan, the news came public that I’m back to the role of reserve driver next year,” said Lawson.
READ: Lawrence Stroll rejects Andretti entry
“Obviously, my goal is to be in Formula 1 full-time, so as much as it’s disappointing, it’s still my goal, and it’s now about trying to make sure that I can make that happen in the future.
“Right now, I’ve still got this opportunity to keep trying to show something, and I’ll try to make the most of it.
“For now, as long as this lasts, I’ll focus on it, and then once I step back from F1, it’ll be full focus on preparing for the final round of the Super Formula championship at Suzuka on the weekend of the Mexican GP.”