Liam Lawson heads into Formula 2 Final Round at Abu Dhabi this weekend – what’s at stake and what’s coming up? Currently standing P7 overall on the points table, Lawson has eyes firmly fixed on producing best possible performance on track, given standings are close in points with only 2 races left on the F2 2022 season calendar.
For sure, stakes are high with Lawson on P7 on 123 points with P4, P5, and P6 held by Jack Doohan, Jehan Daruvala, and Enzo Fittipaldi locked on 126, and Carlin team-driver Logan Sargeant in P3 on 135.
Not only has Lawson endured plenty of time to re-calibrate mental status on racing the premier F2 Final Round – given last race was way back in September at Formula One Grand Prix at Monza – the Kiwi knows each time on track proves valuable opportunity to refine his race-craft to sustain forward trajectory of his career.
Notching up 3 Sprint Race wins at Round Two at Jeddah, Round 9 at Le Castellet, and Round 11 at Spa- Francorchamps this season, along with SR and FR (Sprint Race and Feature Race) podiums of: P3 and P2 at F2 Opener at Sakir, Bahrain, P3 at Baku, P3 in FR at Silverstone, and P3 in FR at Spa – Liam has shown those watching where his strengths lie, both on and off the track.
Most notable, would be performance at Round 6 in Baku, nailing P2 in Qualifying in final laps to start P9 in reverse grid for Sprint Race the following day. Making deft work of passing, Liam captivated attention finishing P3, confirming that the Red Bull Junior Team Driver has the ability to push for results through calculated action on track.
Such sense of conviction is further echoed by Carlin Team Principal Trevor Carlin stating: ‘Liam is a smart racer – he knows what it takes and what he needs to do‘. Not surprising Liam followed up comments from his Team’s boss by taking the win at Round 9 at Paul Ricard Circuit in the Sprint Race, overcoming loosing the lead to fellow Red Bull Junior Driver Jehan Daruvala with 5 laps remaining, and then claiming double podiums at Round 11 at Spa, taking the win in the Sprint Race followed by P3 in the Feature Race on Sunday.
Heading into Formula 2 Final Race at Abu Dhabi this weekend, Liam – hands down – will vie for position on track from FP1 and 2, to Qualifying, to Sprint and Feature Races. Knowing that the end of the season is not over to the final chequered, Liam will surely impress those who have his interests at heart going forward into 2023 season.
Having already taken part in two F1 FP test sessions with Red Bull sister Team AlphaTauri at Formula One Grand Prix at Spa and F1 Mexico Grand Prix – Liam gleams at the prospect of further developing his racing career next year, which will include – upon official confirmation remaining Red Bull Reserve driver for another season. As per quote from Red Bull Junior Team boss Helmut Marko recently – ‘Liam will contest 2023 Super Formula Championship in Japan with F1 reserve duties next year’.
With official announcement pending, Lawson’s move to race 2023 Super Formula Championship confirms Red Bull Junior Driver strategy to strengthen young talented driver’s capabilities – prior to gaining seat in premier F1 Championship.
For sure, the selection of out-of-Team driver Nyck de Vries to race under AlphaTauri for 2023 season knocked Liam for a spin, yet the sliver lining far exceeds Liam’s short term pain for long term gain. Red Bull’s decision to pitch Lawson against Japan’s seasoned driver’s whose knowledge of race venues surpasses debut entries 10 – 1, is the exact strategy which will enhance Liam’s experience and race-craft for gaining F1 seat in 2024.
No doubt smart move by Red Bull Racing. Smart move for Liam who thrives on adapting to formula racing circumstances, albeit outside the comforts of racing in Europe. As for 2022 Formula 2 Final Round 14, it will be one for the books, another step up the career ladder, and one step closer to embracing an exciting future for Liam Lawson.
Header photo: Liam Lawson competing at Formula One British Grand Prix at Silverstone Image: Red Bull Racing.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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