New Zealander Liam Lawson says he “always believed” he’d get his shot in Formula 1 — and he “definitely” feels ready for it.
It was announced this morning that Australian Daniel Ricciardo was released by Red Bull Racing and Lawson will immediately replace him for the remaining six races of the season.
Lawson told 1News: “It’s very cool. Obviously it’s been a very long time coming, and a lot of hard work for a lot of people, so it’s very special.
“I found out about this a couple of weeks ago but had to sort of keep it under wraps.
“Now it’s finally out, it feels a bit more real, which is cool.”
It was “tricky” keeping the secret, he admitted — and the Singapore Grand Prix “wasn’t a fun weekend”, he said.
“I have a very good relationship with Daniel and he’s always been really good to me, so it wasn’t nice to have it all unfold in the way it did.
“But obviously I get one shot at this so I need to take it.”
Ricciardo offered him advice and wished him luck, Lawson said.
“There’s absolutely no hard feelings, it’s the way the sport is and he knows it.
“I’ve got one shot so he’s supportive of that.”
Lawson said the goal now is to stay in Formula 1.
“The support from New Zealand has been incredible,” he added.
The Kiwi driver spoke to 1News sports reporter Michelle Prendiville. (Source: 1News)
“It’s really, really cool, I’m stoked for everybody, for everybody who has been part of the journey.
“There’s definitely not really any surety for the future, but at least I have the chance now to try and prove myself.”
He’d had “interest” from other teams as well, Lawson acknowledged.
“I’ve worked towards it for so many years … I definitely feel ready for it.
“But I also know it’s a cut-throat business and that anything can happen.”
Lawson “always believed” it would happen for him, he said.
Lawson ‘has had the patience of a saint’
Motorsport commentator Bob McMurray told Breakfast: “This is a huge step.
“He has had the patience of a saint, really, to hang in there for such a long time,” he continued.
“They are swapping out a multiple Grand Prix winner with Liam Lawson, that’s a big deal.”
McMurray said the pressure on Lawson would be “ramped up enormously”.
“He has the talent, he has the wherewithal, he has everything going for him,” McMurray said.
“And it’s one of the longest apprenticeships I’ve ever seen in Formula 1, but he’s there.”
Lawson’s parents: ‘It’s happening’
His parents Jared and Kristy Lawson spoke to 1News after the “exciting” announcement.
“It’s gonna be interesting, six Grand Prix,” Jared said. “You’d liken it to winning the lottery, like, a few times over, without the money.
“That’s kind of how hard it is to get there.
“I liken him to a caged animal because, sitting on the sideline and watching everyone else race week-in, week-out, doing all those same flights and all the background grind, has been pretty tough,” Jared added.
Kristy said: “Until today’s announcement came out, I still expected it to kind of not come true.
“It’s been a huge relief, I think, for us to have it finally come out in the media, we can finally talk about it.
“And it’s happening, we know it’s happening.
“It’s literally gone down to his fantastic driving skills, that’s why he’s there.”
