Liam Lawson on why ‘amazing opportunity’ is also ‘most horrible thing to go through’ in F1

Liam Lawson has been discussing the pros and cons of being an F1 reserve driver after he was given an unexpected call-up to the AlphaTauri team.

After Daniel Ricciardo broke his hand during free practice in Zandvoort, Lawson went from an understudy to a starring role and was on the grid to race come Sunday.

With Ricciardo still out injured, Lawson has kept that seat but he is not relishing the thought of giving it back once the Australian returns to full fitness.

Liam Lawson says F1 reserve role ‘most horrible thing to go through’

Lawson has impressed since jumping into the car and secured his first Formula 1 points last weekend with a P9 in Singapore but the race in Suzuka could be his last for the time being with Ricciardo expected to be fit again for the following Qatar Grand Prix.

Speaking about his role, Lawson suggested there were pros and cons that come with it.

“It’s been very hectic obviously being here,” Lawson told Channel 4. “Reserve is an amazing opportunity but it’s also the most horrible thing to go through.

“You’re watching 20 guys live your dream and you’re just right there next in line standing on the sidelines.”

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Despite his position on the sidelines, Lawson said he was always ready should an opportunity arise and wanted to make sure that he would “grab it with both hands.”

“It’s a great opportunity but it’s tough,” the New Zealander said. “I’m always trying to say that I’m ready for this opportunity and then, you know, the opportunity comes and I’ve got to obviously grab it with both hands and that’s really what I’ve been trying to do in the last couple of races and what I will continue to do for as long as I’m in the car.”

进入Japanese Grand Prix, Lawson is 19th in the standings, two points ahead of Daniel Ricciardo, Nyck de Vries and Logan Sargeant.

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