Liam Lawson has already started his career as F1 reserve driver for the soon-to-be-renamed AlphaTauri team, taking a test drive in Italy this week.
The 21-year-old is preparing for a very different year on the world stage of motorsport. For the first time since he was six years old, the Kiwi driver will not take part in a competitive program.
“It’s definitely a crazy feeling. I don’t feel much pressure anymore,” Lawson said.
“It’s a completely different thing to not have a racing program. In the Red Bull program, no matter how good you were last season, you are always evaluated. Of course I’m always proving myself, but for me There’s no series that can prove that.”Everything I’m going to be judged on has already been done, so I’m going to go into the game – it’s a waiting game. ”
1News caught up with Lawson who was attending a sponsorship day with major backer Rodan Motorsports.
Lawson is back in New Zealand for the summer and is having a great time. This is the first time he has returned to Japan with his new title of “F1 driver.”
“This trip home was a little different,” Lawson said. “We’re not there yet and we’re getting closer, but the goal is to show everyone it’s possible.”
Lawson, who made five starts for AlphaTauri last year, is looking to prove to Kiwi drivers that if you can dream it, you can do it.
Rodan Motorsport CEO Dave Dicker said Lawson shows other drivers that F1 dreams are possible.
Up-and-coming Kiwi driver Lewis Sharpe, who is also backed by Rodan Motorsport, hopes to emulate what Lawson has achieved.
“Knowing his health and strength gives us a good idea of what it takes to be an F1 driver,” Sharp said.
Sharp is the current F4 champion and trains at Lawson in the UK.
Lawson said he and Sharpe “sometimes do little races together” during exercises.
“He’s very competitive,” Lawson said.
“Of course I want to beat him, but last time I tried a little too hard and threw up afterwards!” Sharp said.
Lawson will undergo even more rigorous training this year in preparation for his role as F1 reserve driver, which includes observation, testing and simulator work.
The aim is to impress Red Bull bosses and secure a full-time seat for 2025.