“A few challenges but I’m excited”: Liam Lawson previews upcoming F1 weekend in Qatar
Liam Lawson is looking forward to the race weekend in Qatar despite the challenges it presents. Speaking in Doha to the media, including Sportskeeda, the VCARB driver expressed enthusiasm for the sprint weekend format and his return to a circuit he has previously raced at while stepping in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo.
Since rejoining the Red Bull junior team in Austin, Lawson has experienced mixed results, with only two clean weekends out of four. However, he is welcoming the opportunity to compete again at the Losail International Circuit, a track he relishes for its unique layout. Liam Lawson remains optimistic about the team’s prospects, stating that VCARB is well-prepared for the remaining two rounds of the season, which will be pivotal in determining the team's final position in the constructors’ championship standings.
Asked by Sportskeeda about his expectations going into the Qatar GP weekend, Liam Lawson said:
“I’m excited honestly, I think the temperature this year is a lot better, and the track itself is quite cool, it's very fast. I think I enjoyed the layout last year of driving it. So yeah I'm excited, obviously as you said It's sprint weekend, so there's a few challenges that come with that, but yeah, I'm excited.”
Asked what the next two weekends look like for the team in terms of the car's potential, he said:
“Sure, you don't know, honestly. I think I couldn't answer that. I think we think we're in a good place with the car. I think Abu Dhabi last year, especially, was reasonably strong, for at least, I think, for Yuki. So I think we're in a good place. This weekend, it's very different conditions to last year, so it's really hard to know. We did struggle here last year but also the cars come a long way so let's see.”
Liam Lawson claims there has been no decision made over his future
Liam Lawson believes any decision regarding his future in Formula 1 and within the Red Bull Racing camp will only be made after the Abu Dhabi GP. Speaking to the media, the 22-year-old acknowledged that his performance in the final two race weekends of the season will be crucial in shaping his prospects for 2025.
Reflecting on his performance at the Las Vegas GP, where he finished 16th and outside the points, Lawson emphasized the importance of making significant improvements. He stated that his primary target for the remaining rounds is to deliver stronger results, both for himself and the team, as they continue to battle for position in the constructors’ championship.
Asked if there are any performance targets for the next two race weekends, Liam Lawson replied:
“I think overall, yes, it's been pretty strong over most of the races. Obviously, I can't have two more Vegas weekends going into the last to the last two, but I think we're in a good place. In terms of what I'm doing next year, I don't know. And there will be no sort of decision on that until, I think, after the season.”
Asked if there has been any indication about his future at the team or the sport at large, he said:
“I think right now I'm very focused on these races that I'm doing right now and I know that I'm being evaluated on these races. So I don't know where I'll be next year if I’ll be in the sport. Obviously I'd like to think that I will be, but until I get that confirmation I'm focused on these races.”
Liam Lawson’s future in Formula 1 remains uncertain as he has yet to secure a contract for the 2025 season. Being outperformed by his teammate Yuki Tsunoda in the last two race weekends has not strengthened his case. While Tsunoda has openly expressed that he feels deserving of a promotion to the Red Bull Racing seat, the senior team’s plans for both VCARB drivers remain unclear.
The possibility of either VCARB driver being promoted hinges on Sergio Perez’s position at Red Bull. Despite speculation, both Christian Horner and the drivers have suggested that any decision regarding Perez’s future—and, consequently, the junior team drivers—will be made during the offseason.
Currently, VCARB sits eighth in the constructors’ standings, having dropped from sixth, where it was positioned for most of the season. Since his return to the Faenza-based squad in Austin, Liam Lawson has scored just four points. However, he is yet to outqualify Tsunoda, a factor that could be pivotal in determining whether he secures a seat for the 2025 season.