Liam Lawson Shifts Focus to Super Formula Championship

Liam Lawson had a good run in the AlphaTauri // Red Bull Content Pool, Getty Images

After a whirlwind stint in the Formula 1 world, Liam Lawson, the promising New Zealand driver, has set his sights on clinching the Super Formula championship title.

This ambition comes on the heels of his mixed Formula 1 outings with AlphaTauri, which concluded on a somewhat sour note in Qatar. While he had his moments of brilliance, Lawson now seeks redemption in the Japanese motorsport scene.

A Brief F1 Odyssey

Liam Lawson's journey in Formula 1 began when he was called upon to replace the injured Daniel Ricciardo for five events. His Formula 1 debut was marked by a remarkable performance at the Singapore Grand Prix, where he secured his first-ever points for the team. This achievement remains the high point for any AlphaTauri driver in the current season.

However, despite the initial promise, Lawson's Formula 1 venture took a downturn in Qatar. A first-lap incident during the sprint race and a lackluster 17th-place finish in the main race left him yearning for a more triumphant exit from the team. The disappointment was palpable as his brief spell with AlphaTauri came to an end with unfulfilled expectations.

A Quest for Super Formula Glory

As the Formula 1 season takes a pause, Lawson's focus now shifts to the Super Formula championship. He will be absent from the Mexican Grand Prix to participate in the Super Formula double-header finale at Suzuka. Currently, he sits in second place in the championship standings, trailing leader Ritomo Miyata by eight points.

When asked about the significance of potentially finishing the Japanese season as champion, Lawson emphasized its importance, saying, "It's very important. Very, very important." He sees this as a pivotal moment in his career, particularly in light of his Formula 1 experiences. In the coming weeks, Lawson will split his time between preparing for the Super Formula showdown and fulfilling commitments with Red Bull.

Expressing his frustration at how his tenure with AlphaTauri concluded, Lawson admitted, "I think obviously you want to go out on a high. So this is pretty tough to finish off on." He acknowledged the challenges faced during the Qatar weekend, but he remains optimistic about his future prospects.

Suzuka and the Japanese Grand Prix. Liam Lawson will be racing more in Japan in the future // Red Bull Content Pool, Getty Images

Encouraging Words from Christian Horner

While Lawson's Formula 1 stint ended on a somewhat somber note, he can draw encouragement from the words of Christian Horner, the Red Bull Racing Team Principal. Horner commended Lawson's performance, acknowledging that the Kiwi driver had made a significant impact despite having no prior experience in the car. Horner firmly stated, "It certainly won't be his last race in F1. I'm sure that with what he's done in these five races he's demonstrated that he deserves an opportunity in the future."

Onwards and upwards

Liam Lawson's journey through Formula 1, though filled with highs and lows, has given him valuable experience and recognition. As he turns his attention to the Super Formula championship, he carries the weight of ambition and determination. Lawson's pursuit of the Super Formula title is not just a quest for personal glory; it's a chance to bounce back from disappointment and carve a path towards a promising future in motorsport.