Liam Lawson admits 'extremely uncomfortable' situation replacing F1 rival at Singapore GP
Liam Lawson was put in an awkward position at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Liam Lawson has opened up about the experience of replacing Daniel Ricciardo at the Singapore Grand Prix last year. The eight-time F1 race winner was dropped by Racing Bulls after finishing 18th at the Marina Bay street circuit last September, making room for the New Zealander to step onto the grid.
After the chequered flag in Singapore, Ricciardo’s exit from the Red Bull family was still unconfirmed by the team, but the Australian’s tone during his post-race interviews painted a clear picture. Lawson’s promotion was confirmed shortly after, as he partnered with Yuki Tsunoda for the remaining six races of the 2024 campaign.
Looking back at the experience ahead of his return to the Singapore circuit, Lawson said: “For us, it was obviously extremely uncomfortable. The only thing I took away from it was how much of a good person Daniel is and how he was to me through the whole journey.
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“From when I first came into this seat, when he had his injury, to going back to reserve, we had a very good relationship. We still do. My only takeaway from that weekend last year was just how much respect I have for him.”
Lawson and Ricciardo’s relationship remains strong one year on from the switch. After the Racing Bulls prodigy secured a career-best fifth-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last time out, he received a message of support from the now-retired F1 icon.
“He sent me a nice message after Baku, and he’s obviously off on his own journey at the moment,” Lawson revealed. “He’s just somebody who's been very supportive.
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“We're from the same part of the world as well, so it's something we probably both understand. It’s quite difficult to get to this point. We’re both very lucky. He's been out in the open a little bit, probably needs to shave his beard in most people’s opinions!”
Despite finishing an eye-catching fifth in Baku, Lawson is still battling to secure his long-term F1 future. Team-mate Isack Hadjar is expected to partner Max Verstappen in the Red Bull squad in 2026, meaning the New Zealander is fighting to retain his seat for another year.
With Yuki Tsunoda also in a difficult situation and teenage Brit Arvid Lindblad pushing for an early promotion following his rookie Formula Two campaign, Lawson could be shuffled out of the picture without stronger results before the season closes in Abu Dhabi.
