General
Remarkable: This driver may be following in Lawson's footsteps
- Ludo van Denderen
After his adventure in Formula 1, Liam Lawson's sights from now on are likely to be on the final race in Super Formula, the Japanese championship in which the New Zealander has a serious chance of winning the title. The chances of the Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri reserve driver adding a second year in Super Formula are slim. However, another familiar name from Formula 1 could just follow in Lawson's footsteps in Japan.
Lawson has already been confirmed as a test and reserve driver for Red Bull's teams in 2024. It is almost certain that the Austrians want Lawson present at every Grand Prix, making a second season in Super Formula impossible for him. The New Zealander can still finish top of this championship in 2023, but he will at least have to make up the eight-point deficit to Rimoto Miyata at the final weekend. Behind Lawson, the number three in the standings, Tomoki Nojiri, also has prospects of the ultimate top prize. The Japanese driver is three points behind Lawson.
Super Formula wants more familiar names
Super Formula is sometimes compared to the Formula 2 championship in Europe, but in reality, it is a high-performance class in its own right. It features former F1 driver Kamui Kobayashi and McLaren test driver Ryo Harakawa, for example. Super Formula organisers have long hoped that their championship would also become more attractive to drivers from elsewhere in the world, so now Lawson and, in the past, Pierre Gasly.
With Daniil Kvyat, that new, very familiar name may be coming to Super Formula. The former driver of Red Bull Racing, AlphaTauri and Toro Rosso is in the picture to test post-season for the Nakajima Racing team, which is affiliated to Honda, media in Japan report. With participation in his rookie test, it is a small step for the Russian to be on the Super Formula grid in 2024.
Earlier this year, Kvyat participated in Formula E's rookie test, where he tested for NIO, but this ultimately did not lead to a permanent seat. Next season, the Russian will be active in the World Endurance Championship(WEC) anyway. There he is a works driver for Lamborghini. In terms of the calendar, Super Formula would combine well with races in the WEC.