Lawson ‘proving himself’ in F1
Liam Lawson finished just outside the points after delivering another composed Formula 1 performance at the Japanese Grand Prix.
After gaining his first championship points a week ago in Singapore, Lawson was left to rue failing to break into the top 10 at Suzuka on September 24.
The New Zealander qualified 11th for the race in Japan, with his Scuderia AlphaTauri team-mate Yuki Tsunoda starting ninth on the grid.
Lawson, who was only racing in F1 for the fourth time, finished the grand prix one place ahead of Tsunoda and his impressive drive added to his previous placings of 13th, 11 and ninth respectively.
“We didn’t have the performance in the long run today and didn’t quite have the speed of the Alpines ahead,” Lawson said after the race.
“The fight with Yuki was aggressive, but I think it was a fair race. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough, and I think neither of us had the pace to make the top 10.
“I’m still trying to score points for the team and prove myself every time I get in the car, and I think I did that today.”
Lawson has been thrust into the F1 spotlight after first stepping in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
However, AlphaTauri confirmed this week they will retain Tsunoda and Ricciardo as their top two drivers next season, with Lawson continuing as reserve for them and Red Bull.
The next grand prix is in Qatar on October 8 but it remains to be seen whether Lawson will be in action again or if Ricciardo will return after recovering from his broken hand.
