F1 | Marko opens up about Lawson's future

AlphaTauri – The Qatar Grand Prix could be Liam Lawson's last race of 2023. In fact, Daniel Ricciardo has completely recovered from his hand injury and will most likely return to the wheel in Austin for the United States Grand Prix, scheduled for 20 to 22 October. According to many, Lawson deserved a seat in AlphaTauri for next year, considering his excellent performances in just a few races. But the 2024 line-up of the Faenza team has been confirmed and the New Zealander only has the reserve role left. However, Helmut Marko admitted that he was particularly surprised by Lawson's talent and we know that when the Austrian sets his sights on a rider, he does it for a reason.

“Lawson certainly has the potential to win a GP, as so far he has completed the assigned tasks and in the most difficult conditions,” Marko told the Austrian publication “Kleine Zeitung”.

“In Zandvoort he was caught and immediately put to the test. He is a tough pilot and one of the strongest pilots ever in a duel. With the role of reserve driver, he has a big task next year but by 2025 at the latest, he will still be in a Formula 1 car."

For his part, Liam Lawson said he was disappointed not to have a place as an official driver in 2024 but now his goal is to win the Super Formula title.

“Obviously, my goal is to be in Formula 1 full time, so as disappointing as it is, it's still my target. Now it's about trying to make sure I can do that in the future. Right now, I still have this opportunity to keep trying to show something, and I'm going to try to make the most of it. For now, while it lasts, I will focus on it, and then once I take a step back from F1, I will focus fully on preparing for the final round of the Super Formula championship in Suzuka on the Mexican Grand Prix weekend."