Source – Formula1.com
Liam Lawson will receive a grid penalty when he returns to Formula One at the Austin Grand Prix, according to Christian Horner.
Liam Lawson’s long-anticipated return to Formula One is making headlines for all the right reasons, yet it comes with a bit of turbulence. The young New Zealander will be stepping back into the cockpit at the American Grand Prix, but his re-entry onto the grid won’t be without challenges. Replacing Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull’s junior team, VCARB, Lawson will be starting his F1 comeback with a grid penalty, a consequence of inheriting several power unit components that were previously used by the outgoing Ricciardo. As exciting as his return is, it’s a tough break for the promising driver, having to face this penalty as he makes his reintroduction to the sport.
Liam Lawson’s promotion to the main grid comes after a tough run for Ricciardo, whose performances over the past few seasons have paled in comparison to his glory days at Red Bull. Despite some moments of brilliance, Ricciardo struggled to find consistency in his second stint with Red Bull’s junior team, leaving the door open for Lawson. After Ricciardo’s last race in Singapore, the decision was made to bench the Australian in favor of the younger driver. And now, Lawson is ready to grab this opportunity with both hands, though the grid drop looms large over his return in Austin.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner shed some light on the situation, confirming Lawson’s grid penalty ahead of the American GP. However, Horner believes this could actually work in the young driver’s favor, referring to it as a “soft landing” for Lawson’s return. Horner acknowledged that this penalty will take some of the immediate pressure off Lawson, allowing him to ease back into the high-stakes world of F1. The grid penalty might serve as a blessing in disguise, giving Lawson a little breathing room as he re-establishes himself.
But the penalty is just one aspect of the larger narrative surrounding Lawson’s comeback. Much of the attention is on how Lawson will measure up against his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda. Tsunoda, who is no longer considered a rookie, has matured significantly over his seasons in Formula One and has been improving steadily. His pace and growing experience will serve as the benchmark for Lawson, and many are eager to see how the two will stack up against each other over the remainder of the season.
Lawson has already proven himself to be a resilient and adaptable racer, qualities that will undoubtedly serve him well as he returns to the grid. His previous stints in Formula One showed flashes of real promise, and his testing for Red Bull Racing this year has been particularly encouraging. Horner praised Lawson’s progress, remarking on his ability to quickly get up to speed and push the limits of the car. Lawson’s adaptability will be a key factor as he races in the final six events of the season.
What makes this story even more compelling is the direct comparison to Daniel Ricciardo, who was measured against Tsunoda throughout this season. Horner alluded to the fact that Tsunoda’s form is a solid yardstick for evaluating Lawson’s performance, considering how Ricciardo fared against the Japanese driver. With Tsunoda having “stepped it up a gear” in 2024, the dynamic between him and Lawson promises to be a fascinating subplot as the season draws to a close.
There’s no denying that Lawson is stepping into a high-pressure situation. Replacing a veteran like Ricciardo is no easy task, and with the penalty adding an extra layer of difficulty, all eyes will be on how Lawson handles the challenge. Yet, despite the hurdles, there is a sense of optimism around his return. Red Bull has clearly seen enough in Lawson’s development to trust him with a seat, and while expectations are high, there’s also recognition that he has the talent to meet them.
The American Grand Prix is set to be the stage for Lawson’s comeback, and while the grid penalty might make it harder to score big points, it’s the perfect opportunity for him to show that he’s ready to take his place on the Formula One grid for good. With just six races left in the season, Lawson has a limited window to make his mark, but if his previous performances are anything to go by, he’s more than capable of rising to the occasion. The countdown to Austin is on, and the world of Formula One will be watching as Lawson begins his next chapter.
