Christijan Albers, a former Formula 1 driver, believes that Liam Lawson should have secured a full-time Formula 1 seat for the 2024 season.
In the previous year, Lawson, a Red Bull junior driver, had a significant opportunity when he was called up to substitute for the injured Daniel Ricciardo at Alpha Tauri.
Despite Lawson’s performance, Red Bull opted to retain both Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda for the 2024 season, leaving Lawson as a reserve driver.
Team owner Red Bull acknowledged Lawson’s deserving talent, and Dr. Helmut Marko, the top consultant, expressed that a full race seat is essentially promised for Lawson in 2025.
Marko stated in an interview with Osterreich newspaper, “Yes, and before that, he should at least drive a few more races so that we can see where his potential really lies.”
Former F1 driver Christijan Albers concurs with the expectation that Lawson might appear on the Grand Prix grid this year.
Albers suggested that if Sergio Perez’s performance is not up to par, there is a high probability that Red Bull might consider replacing him with Ricciardo. This scenario would potentially open up a seat for Lawson at Alpha Tauri.
Albers expressed regret that Lawson did not secure a contract for the current season, emphasizing Lawson’s commendable performance during the five weekends he filled in for Ricciardo. Albers believes that Lawson deserves a chance, especially at Alpha Tauri, which is known for nurturing young talent.
“It’s a shame he wasn’t offered a contract,” Albers added. “And Perez should be especially relieved that he extended his own contract for two years in 2022.”
