New Zealand's Liam Lawson, a rising star in Formula One, has recently been at the center of discussions regarding the Red Bull Racing team. At just 22 years old, he replaced Daniel Ricciardo at Visa Cash App RB in September and has since made a name for himself. His career has seen success in various leagues, and his debut in Formula 1 in 2023 was a significant moment when he stepped in for the injured Ricciardo at AlphaTauri. Despite the challenges and limited preparation, Lawson quickly showed his capabilities.

Lawson's Performance and Aspirations

As the 2024 season comes to a close, Lawson has once again stepped into Ricciardo's shoes with the Visa Cash App RB team. His performance in the final races, especially at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, is crucial for his goal of securing a full-time seat by 2025. Rumors suggest that he is a potential candidate for a promotion to the senior Red Bull team alongside Max Verstappen if Sergio Perez leaves due to underperformance. Perez has had a subpar 2024 season, securing only four podiums, fueling speculation about his departure.Lawson is eager for a Red Bull opportunity. "What I'm focused on is having a seat. This weekend [Abu Dhabi] is my last chance to show that, and why I feel like I should be here," he said. He has made the most of his chances this season but acknowledges areas for growth. "I feel like I've made the most of each opportunity, but I definitely didn't execute everything perfectly," he reflected. "I do feel like if the opportunity one day came to go to Red Bull, I feel ready for it."

Lawson and Tsunoda's Rivalry for the Red Bull Seat

In addition to Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda, with his extensive racing experience and proven skills, also has his eyes set on the coveted Red Bull seat. As Tsunoda is set to be replaced by Ayumu Iwasa during FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lawson may benefit from additional track time. This could give him a potential edge in his pursuit of the Red Bull seat.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Its Significance

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, scheduled to kick off at 12:00am AEDT on December 9 at the Yas Marina Circuit, presents a challenging 58-lap course for Lawson. His performance here will have a significant bearing on his future within Red Bull Racing. Key figures within Red Bull, such as Helmut Marko and Christian Horner, are closely watching the driver dynamics for 2025. Marko has played an influential role in Lawson's development, and discussions about future team lineups are ongoing within the team. The decision about Lawson's prospective elevation within the team is expected soon. As Lawson optimistically stated: "I would say I definitely tried and gave my best at every opportunity. I think I would relish the opportunity to go up against [Max Verstappen] if I ever got that opportunity," he said, excited about the prospect of learning from the best.