Season snapshot · 2023
Source: Jolpica F1 API- WDC finish
- P20
- Wins
- 0
- Podiums
- 0
- Points
- 2
- DNFs
- 0
- Constructor
- Scuderia AlphaTauri
Race-by-race
| Race | Grid | Finish | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dutch | P19 | P13 | 0 |
| Italian | P12 | P11 | 0 |
| Singapore | P10 | P9 | 2 |
| Japanese | P11 | P11 | 0 |
| Qatar | P17 | P17 | 0 |
Liam Lawson's 2023 Formula 1 season was defined by an unforeseen mid-season call-up, thrusting him into the competitive ground-effect era grid with Scuderia AlphaTauri for five races.
Going in
Lawson's opportunity arose at the Dutch Grand Prix when Daniel Ricciardo sustained a hand injury during practice. As a Red Bull junior and the team's reserve driver, Lawson was the immediate choice to step into the AlphaTauri AT04. This sudden debut presented a formidable challenge: adapting to a Formula 1 car, particularly one from the complex ground-effect generation, on the fly and without extensive preparation. The 2023 season, much like Lewis Hamilton's 2023 season, saw Red Bull Racing dominate, but the midfield battle remained intense, requiring new entrants to quickly find pace.
How it played out
Lawson's initial outing at Zandvoort saw him finish 13th from a 19th-place grid start, navigating challenging wet-dry conditions with composure. The following week at Monza, he improved, qualifying 12th and finishing 11th, just outside the points. His breakthrough arrived at the Singapore Grand Prix, a circuit known for its demanding nature. Starting 10th, Lawson delivered a mature performance to cross the line in 9th position, securing 2 championship points. This result was significant for both Lawson and AlphaTauri, as it marked a rare points finish for the team in a difficult season. He concluded his stint with an 11th-place finish at Suzuka and a 17th at Lusail, both races where he finished a lap down, reflecting the AlphaTauri's general pace relative to the front runners.
Defining moments
The Singapore Grand Prix was undoubtedly the highlight of Lawson's brief 2023 campaign. Not only did he outqualify his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, but his race craft on a street circuit known for punishing errors demonstrated a readiness for Formula 1. Securing two points, his first in the sport, immediately positioned him as a strong candidate for a full-time seat. This performance, against the backdrop of a challenging car in the ground-effect regulations that also tested experienced drivers like Lewis Hamilton in 2022, underscored his potential. For more on the technical regulations governing this era, the provides detailed insights.