Liam Lawson enjoyed a very impressive return to F1 at last weekend’s US Grand Prix, and the RB charger’s fantastic run to P9 did not go unnoticed by Red Bull’s top brass.
Given the race’s Sprint format, Lawson only had a single practice session to get up to speed before heading into Friday’s qualifying at The Circuit of the Americas, a track he was not familiar with.
Starting Saturday’s short-form event P15, the 22-year-old finished P16, but the 19 laps of frantic racing – which included a bold defense against an irate Fernando Alonso – were a useful warm-up for Sunday’s main event.
However, engine penalties forced a back row start on the Kiwi, but Lawson rose to challenge thanks to a one-stop strategy and a flawless drive that included a stunning opening lap during which he gained six positions!
A ninth-place finish at the checkered flag surpassed both Lawson and Red Bull’s expectations.
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“I think if you're getting into a spat and getting your elbows out with Fernando on your first race back in, you're doing alright,” said Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, reflecting on Lawson’s intense duel with Alonso in Saturday’s Sprint.
“I think that he drove an exceptional race today from 19th to ninth. He was fast, he was courageous and I thought it was an excellent comeback for him.”
Lawson’s impressive display only revived speculation about the Kiwi’s long-term prospects within the Red Bull racing family, especially in light of another lacklustre performance by Sergio Perez in Austin.
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, speaking to Sky Germany, was also visibly impressed pleased with Lawson’s comeback weekend.
“A really great debut,” the Austrian said. “That was already apparent in Q1, where he set the third fastest time.
“He was in control at all times and had great overtaking manoeuvres. You have to put the youngsters in the car and then it works. He is definitely a man for the future.”
The young gun’s poise on track and readiness to fight established names like Alonso clearly impressed the Red Bull higher-ups. But for Lawson, the race wasn’t just about points; it was a clear statement of intent.
He reflected on his aggressive yet calculated approach, saying: "I just went for every little gap and made up some positions. We made a really good step up with the car yesterday, which we hoped would replicate in the race today and thankfully it did."
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