Former F1 driver Christijan Albers has voiced his opinion that Liam Lawson should have been granted a full-time seat in Formula 1 for the 2024 season. Last year, Lawson, a Red Bull junior, stepped in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo at Alpha Tauri, showcasing his potential. Despite this, Red Bull chose to retain Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda for 2024, leaving the New Zealander as a reserve.
Dr. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s top consultant, acknowledged Lawson’s talent and hinted at a brighter future for 2025. Speaking to Osterreich newspaper, Marko said, “Yes, and before that he should at least drive a few more races so that we can see where his potential really lies.” This statement indicates that Lawson might still get his chance to prove himself on the F1 grid this season.
Albers, commenting on the situation to De Telegraaf newspaper, believes that Lawson could still find himself racing this year. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets the chance this year,” he said. The Dutchman speculated on the dynamics within Red Bull, suggesting that Sergio Perez’s performance could influence Lawson’s prospects. “If Sergio Perez continues to perform as he did last year, then there is a high probability that Red Bull will replace him with Ricciardo. But that depends on Daniel himself doing a good job. Then a place will be freed up for Lawson at Alpha Tauri.”
Albers expressed disappointment that Lawson was not offered a contract for this season. “He did an excellent job on all five weekends in Ricciardo’s place and I think he deserves his chance, especially at Alpha Tauri, which is supposed to help young drivers,” he remarked. “It’s a shame he wasn’t offered a contract,” Albers added, noting that Perez should feel relieved about securing his own contract extension for two years in 2022.
