"I am coming in at a difficult time", says Lawson

Having just been announced as a replacement for Daniel Ricciardo, Liam Lawson has insisted that he will arrive at a difficult time of the year, with the field having already collected a wealth of experience through the season.

Visa Cash App RB confirmed yesterday that Liam Lawson will replace Daniel Ricciardo from Austin and will be driving for the Faenza-based outfit for the remainder of the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship season, racing alongside Yuki Tsunoda in the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas.

Lawson has been a Red Bull reserve driver since 2022, making his Grand Prix debut in Zandvoort last year during Daniel’s recovery period. His impressive five-race drive saw him score points for the Team, finishing ninth in the Singapore GP.

Reflecting on the announcement, Lawson said that he will arrive at a difficult time of the year.

"I’ve dreamed of being a Formula One driver since I was a kid, and I’m very happy to say that dream is finally come true. I want to thank VCARB and Red Bull for this opportunity, I’m extremely grateful and excited to get to work.

“Obviously I’m very happy, but it’s six rounds left in the season, so I’m coming in at a difficult time,” he said.

“It’s going to be a very challenging point. All these [drivers] have done three quarters of a season now, so I have to try and compete with that – at tracks that I haven’t done [driven at] as well.

Visa Cash App RB Team Principal, Laurent Mekies said: “Everyone here at VCARB would like to thank Daniel for his hard work across the last two seasons with us.

"He has brought a lot of experience and talent to the Team with a fantastic attitude, which has helped everyone to develop and foster a tight team spirit. Daniel has been a true gentleman both on and off the track and never without that smile. He will be missed, but will always hold a special place within the Red Bull family.

"I’d also like to take this opportunity to welcome Liam. He already knows the Team well. He drove for us last season, and coped well under difficult circumstances, so it’ll be a natural transition.

"It’s great to see young talent from within the Red Bull family make the next step. We’re looking forward to getting our heads down and focusing on the rest of the season together.Daniel Ricciardo will leave RB with immediate effect, bringing his second stint in Formula 1 to an end.