Red Bull F1 reserve Lawson heads to Super Formula

Red Bull protégé and F1 reserve Liam Lawson will head east next season, with the young Kiwi set to compete in Japan's competitive Super Formula series.

Lawson concluded his 2022 campaign in the FIA Formula 2 Championship in third place behind series champion Felipe Drugovich and runner-up Theo Pourchaire.

The 20-year-old also enjoyed two FP1 outings with AlphaTauri this season, at Spa and in Mexico City, and a practice session in Abu Dhabi with Red Bull Racing.

• Read also: Red Bull signs rising F2 star Zane Maloney as reserve

Lawson was in Japan last week and sampled a Super Formula machine for the very first time during the series' group test that took place at Suzuka.

But on Monday, Honda confirmed that the Kiwi would be joining in 2023 title-winning outfit Mugen alongside two-time champion Tomoki Nojiri.

"I’ve raced in Formula 2, and this car is a step up – it’s a lot faster, the [levels of] downforce, so between now and next year I’ll be training a lot more," said Lawson.

"It’s going to be a big adjustment for me – the goal for next season, I’d like to be fighting for the championship, I think I’m in the best possible position with Mugen, so I’m excited."

Lawson's move to Japan follows a path pursued in the past by Red Bull protégés Pierre Gasly, Dan Ticktum, Pato O’Ward and Juri Vips.

"Formula 1 is my dream but the focus for me right now is Super Formula, so that’s all I’m thinking about for next season," added Lawson.

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