Kiwi F1 driver Liam Lawson: 'I'll race everybody the same'

November 13, 2024
Liam Lawson at the Brazil Grand Prix.

Liam Lawson is still vying to secure a full-time seat on the Formula One grid next season and isn't planning on backing down on the track.

Lawson isn't guaranteed a seat in F1 next year and said he wants to put his best performances out on the track, regardless of what the other drivers are doing.

"I’m not here to make enemies and I’m not here to cause issues," said Lawson. "When I’m in the car driving, I’m trying to do the best job I can - I’m not going to put a relationship with somebody over that.

"I have these six races that are very important and I don't have all the time in the world ... it’s not a goal of mine to cause any issues but at the same time, I’m not going to change the way I drive with different people on the grid - I’ll race everybody the same."

Lawson has three more races left in the current F1 season to earn a spot on the grid next year. (Source: 1News)

Lawson has made a promising return to the F1 grid, scoring points on two out of his first three races since replacing Daniel Ricciardo at RB.

Lawson has three more races to prove himself to Red Bull's bosses as to whether he deserves a seat next season, starting with the Las Vegas Grand Prix next weekend.

Lawson said he's trying to not get caught up in the off-the-track drama and doesn't have social media installed on his phone.

Before the Brazilian Grand Prix, Lawson said; "I'm not here to make friends", after upsetting F1 veterans Fernando Alonso and Sergio Perez.

"I’m learning that things can get taken out of context. If I was to sit on my phone and scroll on social media everyday, I’d get completely caught up in the stories and rumours that get put up everyday."

Liam Lawson of New Zealand leads Max Verstappen of the Netherlands at the Brazil Grand Prix.

The 22-year-old finished ninth at both the United States and Brazilian Grand Prix's to take four points from his first three races.

Lawson was asked if he thinks he would be ready to take on a full-time F1 seat next year.

"I think I’d be ready, that’s what I’ve been trying to show in my performance for the last couple of races and the whole time I’ve been with Red Bull.

"There’s always feedback from Horner and Marko and they both play a big role in my current situation and future... the expectation from them is high but that’s why they put me in the car."

Lawson's RB team are currently eighth on the constructor standings, with Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner and adviser Helmut Marko wanting the team to finish in the top six.

The young Kiwi said he's still trying to get used to the car and is running a similar setup as his teammate Yuki Tsunoda, before he learns what would work better for him.

"I’m adjusting to driving the car so much, I don’t have much capacity to think about exactly what the car is doing and how to improve it."

Lawson said it's been tough coming in at the end of the F1 season and feel like he's "playing catch-up" compared to the other drivers on the grid.

"My goal is to be a Red Bull racing driver, that’s what my dream has been since I was a kid. I’ve been with Red Bull for the past six years and right now these races are important for getting a seat next year."

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