Lawson's Second Season in Super Formula Still Under Consideration

 

Liam Lawson's Decision for Second Season in Super Formula Hinges on This Year's Championship Outcome

Liam Lawson, currently driving for Team Mugen in the Japanese open-wheel formula and serving as a reserve driver for Red Bull in Formula 1, is awaiting the results of this year's Super Formula championship before committing to another season in the competition.

While Lawson is determined to advance to the pinnacle of motorsport, he acknowledges that his future isn't entirely within his control. At present, he aims to fulfill Red Bull's expectations by competing in Japan and contending for the championship title.

With three rounds left, including a double-header at Suzuka in October, Lawson is just one point away from the championship lead and has secured three victories, including his recent triumph in Fuji.

Asked about the possibility of staying in Super Formula for a second season, Lawson stated, "It depends on how the season goes... It depends on where I finish in the championship this year. To be honest, I think if I were fighting at the front, like we are currently, at the end of the season, I feel like I’ve gotten everything out of it. My goal is Formula 1."

Lawson has found his time in Super Formula to be valuable. The performance of the cars is comparable to Formula 1, and team sizes are larger than those in junior categories in Europe. The technical regulations are more flexible, allowing for greater development and engineering of the car, which has enhanced Lawson's mechanical understanding.

He has also observed a distinct racing style in Japan, noting that there is generally more respect between drivers compared to the cutthroat competition in Europe. Lawson explained, "You’re racing a lot older guys, quite often there’s a much higher level of respect between drivers... For a lot of those drivers, it’s their full-time career; they’ve made it; they’re professional racing drivers doing, normally, both Super GT and Super Formula."

If Lawson clinches this year's championship, it could create a challenging situation for Red Bull. While he has fulfilled his obligations, there may not be a clear Formula 1 seat available for him. His fate may be intertwined with that of drivers like Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda, potentially relying on one of them not being renewed for the 2024 season. As an alternative, another year in Super Formula might be on the horizon.

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