The Red Bull That Got Away: Why Lawson Deserved the Seat Over Ricciardo

 

In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, opportunities are rare, and when they come, they must be seized with both hands. That’s exactly what Liam Lawson did in 2023. When Daniel Ricciardo sustained a hand injury mid-season, Red Bull Racing handed Lawson a temporary spot at AlphaTauri (now known as Visa Cash App RB). The young New Zealander didn’t just fill a seat — he turned heads, scored points, and showed composure far beyond his years. Yet, when the time came to decide who would drive alongside Yuki Tsunoda for 2024, it was Ricciardo who got the nod. Many fans and analysts were left scratching their heads, wondering: did Red Bull make the right call?

Liam Lawson stepped into the cockpit with minimal preparation but immediately looked at home. Over five races, he consistently outperformed expectations and even outshined Tsunoda, who had been in the seat for two and a half seasons. His crowning moment came at the Singapore Grand Prix, where he secured a 9th place finish, scoring his first Formula 1 points on one of the most physically demanding tracks on the calendar. Lawson’s maturity, racecraft, and adaptability made a compelling case for a permanent seat.

 

On the other hand, Ricciardo — a fan favorite and former race winner — brought experience, charisma, and a marketable presence. Red Bull’s decision to reinstate him seemed rooted more in sentiment and branding than in on-track performance. While Ricciardo’s legacy is undeniable, his recent results prior to the injury were underwhelming. Even after returning, he struggled to convincingly outperform Tsunoda, raising doubts about the long-term vision of Red Bull’s driver development strategy.

 

From a purely performance-based standpoint, Lawson made a stronger case. He was a driver on the rise, unburdened by the pressure of a comeback or the expectations of past glory. Choosing him would have signaled Red Bull’s commitment to nurturing young talent — the very philosophy that brought them Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. Instead, by picking Ricciardo, Red Bull seemed to prioritize nostalgia and PR over raw potential.

 

Lawson’s snub raises broader questions about meritocracy in F1. If a young driver can step in mid-season, outperform the established teammate, and still not get a seat, what does that say to the next generation waiting in line? Red Bull may have overlooked a diamond in favor of a familiar jewel — but time will tell if that gamble pays off. For now, Lawson remains the Red Bull that got away — and perhaps, the one they’ll regret not keeping.