Helmut Marko explains the real reason behind AlphaTauri’s Liam Lawson snub

Helmut Marko wants Liam Lawson to focus on his 2023 Super Formula season.

Helmut Marko explains the real reason behind AlphaTauri’s Liam Lawson snub

Helmut Marko (Credits: Planet F1) and Liam Lawson (Credits: Herald)

Helmut Marko, the Red Bull team adviser, has, ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, talked about the decision of not roping in Red Bull junior Liam Lawson for the AlphaTauri seat in place of Nyck De Vries. Lawson has been in the junior program for several years but, despite this fact, was overlooked when it came to the seat alongside Yuki Tsunoda.

Helmut Marko and Co. decided to entrust the second seat on the Faneza-based team to the former eight-time Grand Prix winner, Daniel Ricciardo, and the Austrian has indicated that the decision was in Lawson’s best interest. He competes in Super Formula in Japan, and the Red Bull hierarchy wants him to finish his season.

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While talking about the reasoning behind not roping in Liam Lawson at AlphaTauri, Marko added, “Liam should finish his [Super Formula] season in Japan in peace. We also considered that with Ricciardo and his experience, he can make different statements about a racing car than Yuki, who has only driven for AT.”

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The 80-year-old veteran of the sport has made it clear that Daniel Ricciardo was given the nod ahead of Liam Lawson because of his level of experience at the pinnacle of motor racing. The Australian has been associated with F1 for several years, and Marko and Co. believe that it was less of a risk to give him the seat instead of Lawson.

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Helmut Marko is expecting strong performances from Daniel Ricciardo

Helmut Marko and Daniel Ricciardo (Credits: Planet F1)
Helmut Marko and Daniel Ricciardo (Credits: Planet F1)

While Daniel Ricciardo has secured the AlphaTauri F1 seat for the remainder of the 2023 F1 season, several people in the Red Bull camp will keep close tabs on his performances. Helmut Marko expected Ricciardo to put in consistent performances and, if possible, outperform his young Japanese teammate.

Moreover, Daniel Ricciardo himself is also aware of the precarious position he currently is in when it comes to his F1 career. If the 34-year-old cannot impress during his tenure with the Franz-Tost-led team, then there is every chance that his short AlphaTauri stint could prove to be his last in the sport.

Helmut Marko has a reputation for being ruthless in his behavior with underperforming drivers, and Ricciardo has to be extremely careful with his exploits during the remainder of 2023. Taking into account everything that has been discussed above, how do you see Ricciardo performing at the upcoming race at the Spa-Francorchamps F1 circuit?

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