Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App RB prepares to drive on the grid during the Sprint ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil.
What a difference a year makes for Liam Lawson. This time last year, he was watching the Las Vegas Grand Prix from the sidelines. But fast forward to 2024, and Lawson is racing for VCARB, a well-deserved promotion after an impressive string of performances.
Lawson’s journey into Formula 1 began in 2023 when he was called up as a substitute for Daniel Ricciardo at VCARB after Ricciardo suffered a wrist injury during the Dutch Grand Prix. With only FP3 to prepare, Lawson impressed by finishing P13 and ahead of teammate Tsunoda.
As a substitute, Lawson continued to race in place of Ricciardo, including at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Last year, Lawson watched the race, wishing he were driving. This year, he was living that dream, and he was ecstatic. “I was there last year watching and wishing I was driving, so it’s an exciting feeling going into the week knowing I’ll be in the car this time,” said Lawson, reflecting on his return to the Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2024.
Lawson was eager to race in Las Vegas, a city famous for its iconic location and unique street circuit. The layout was challenging, with combined braking zones and fast straights. The cold conditions from the previous year were also expected, making it a tough yet thrilling experience. Lawson expressed his excitement: “I’m super pumped to be racing under the lights.”
For Liam Lawson, the stakes are high, with three more Grand Prix weekends to prove his worth for a potential seat at VCARB in 2025.
Stats highlight a tight competition between Lawson and Tsunoda. While Tsunoda has out-qualified Lawson 7-1, Lawson holds a 6-2 lead in race finishes. This competition intensifies as they head into the final races of the season.
Tsunoda, reflecting on his second Las Vegas Grand Prix, said: “It’s an unusual track, very long for a street circuit, with mainly slow corners. The car set-up is a compromise between having enough downforce for heavy braking and not having too much drag on the fast straights.” Tsunoda also pointed out the cold night conditions, which would pose a challenge for tire and brake management.
VCARB Technical Director Jody Egginton also shared insights on the challenges the team would face in Las Vegas. The track’s low grip levels, combined with its temporary nature, made it tough for drivers and engineers alike. The circuit layout demands teams to balance downforce for efficiency and speed, with critical overtaking zones at turns 6, 9, and 17.
As VCARB battles for 6th place in the 2024 F1 Constructors’ Championship, Lawson’s performance in the remaining races could play a pivotal role in securing a strong finish for the team. Currently with 44 points, VCARB is neck-and-neck with Haas (46 points) and Alpine (49 points), with prize money on the line.
As the season progresses, the focus is on the final push in Las Vegas, where Lawson’s journey from spectator to competitor continues to inspire.
