Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls’ Formula 1 driver, shared that Daniel Ricciardo has remained a supportive figure, reaching out after Lawson’s standout performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. In Baku, Lawson delivered an impressive fifth-place finish, marking his best result in F1 to date.
Lawson, from New Zealand, stepped into the Racing Bulls seat full-time last year, taking over from Ricciardo, who ended his Formula 1 career after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. Despite Lawson replacing him, Ricciardo has stayed in contact, providing advice and encouragement throughout the transition.
Reflecting on the experience of succeeding Ricciardo, Lawson said, “It was obviously extremely uncomfortable.” He added,
“I think the only thing I took away from it was how much of a good person Daniel is, how he was to me through the whole journey from when I first came into the seat when he had his injury to going back to reserve.”
Lawson praised their ongoing relationship, stating,
“We had a very good relationship – we still do, honestly. He sent me a nice message after Baku. He’s obviously off on his own journey at the moment, but he’s been very supportive.”
Noting their shared roots, Lawson mentioned,
“We’re from the same part of the world as well, so we probably both understand it’s quite difficult to get to this point and we’re both very lucky.”
Lawson humorously commented on Ricciardo’s recent appearance:
He’s been out in the open a little bit – probably needs to shave his beard in most people’s opinions!
—Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls F1 Driver
Uncertainty Surrounds Lawson’s 2026 Formula 1 Seat
While Lawson has demonstrated promise, his place in Formula 1 beyond the 2025 season remains uncertain. After racing for Red Bull in just two events, he returned to the junior team alongside teammate Isack Hadjar. Though Hadjar has currently shown stronger results, Lawson’s performances have steadily improved as well.
The Red Bull seats for the upcoming season are expected to be filled by Hadjar and Yuki Tsunoda, alongside reigning champion Max Verstappen. However, questions remain about who will secure the remaining positions, with competitors including Lawson, Tsunoda, Arvid Lindblad from the junior program, and Alex Dunne, recently released from McLaren.
On the topic of his future, Lawson expressed determination and realism, saying,
“We’ve obviously done this a long time and we’re well aware that we need to have good performances to stay in the sport and that’s honestly what I’m focused on at the moment.”
He reflected on his recent success in Azerbaijan:
“Baku was great but obviously we need more of that going through the next few races.”
Lawson admitted the waiting period is challenging:
“I’d love to know tomorrow, honestly, but obviously in this camp it’s very normal to be left on hold a little bit and that’s how it is at the moment.”
Lawson emphasized the importance of his driving, stating,
“I know the only thing that has control over that is my performance in the car, so until I have that answer I think that’s just what I’m focused on.”
Looking ahead to the remainder of the season, he remarked,
Obviously there’s some very exciting, unique, cool races coming up. For me as well, now having done the full cycle of tracks, going to tracks that I’ve done before is exciting and it’s the part I enjoy most out of the season.
—Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls F1 Driver
Upcoming Challenges at the Marina Bay Street Circuit
As the F1 season continues, Lawson prepares to compete at the Marina Bay Street Circuit this weekend. This race presents a fresh opportunity for him to build on his recent success and strengthen his case for remaining in the sport. Success at iconic venues like Singapore will be crucial as Lawson aims to secure his future within Formula 1 and prove his place among a competitive field.
