Marko reveals why Liam Lawson wasn't allowed to go to Williams by Red Bull

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helmut marko on lawson and williams f1 deal that did not go ahead
30 August at 09:54
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  • Corwin Kunst

Although, according to Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, a decision on whether and where Liam Lawson will drive in Formula 1 in 2025 will not be made until September, everything seems to indicate that he will at least race for Visa Cash App RB or (less likely) Red Bull Racing. This is according to Marko's words in an interview with Kleine Zeitung, where the team advisor also explains why Lawson has not become Logan Sargeant's temporary successor at Williams.

Logan Sargeant was sidelined this summer break after disappointing results and a series of costly crashes. Williams, in the search for a replacement for the American, ended up with Lawson, who showed last year at the then AlphaTauri that he could step in just fine mid-season somewhere. There were talks with Red Bull about hiring the New Zealander for six months, but talks stalled.

So no deal was forthcoming when on the face of it there would really only be winners. Lawson would gain additional experience in Formula 1, good for himself as well as for Red Bull. Williams would have been bailed out at the same time. A tough demand prevented Lawson's temporary transfer.

Marko explains why deal fell through

"We wanted to keep the option that he would be available when we need him," Marko explained. For example, in case any of the current four drivers at Red Bull or Visa Cash App RB had to miss races due to injury, Lawson should be able to return. Williams did not want to cooperate on that and so the British formation opted for its own junior Franco Colapinto, the current number six in F2.

Marko then let slip that Lawson will 'definitely' drive Formula 1 in 2025. With Antonelli as a very likely new driver at Mercedes, there are otherwise only spots available at VCARB and Sauber. And after that: 'Likely [Lawson] will not drive for Sauber'. So with that, it looks like Lawson may board one of the four Red Bull-sponsored cars.

This article as written in collaboration with Olly Darcy

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