Liam Lawson will replace Juri Vips as the reserve driver for Red Bull in the wake of the Estonian's sacking for use of racist language in a video game live stream.
Vips was suspended from the team's driver development programme after footage emerged of him using the n-word while gaming with friends. After a short investigation, he was then axed from the team – but kept his F2 drive with Hitech Grand Prix.
It left Red Bull needing a new reserve driver for their F1 efforts, with someone needed to step in should either Max Verstappen or Sergio Perez miss a race for whatever reason. The team has now announced that two-time F2 race winner Lawson is their chosen man.
The New Zealander, 20, has stood on the podium seven times in his F2 career and currently races with Carlin. Lawson's new role will also see him act as a reserve for the sister team AlphaTauri.
"Well Liam Lawson steps into that role, obviously following the Juri Vips announcement," confirmed Christian Horner. "Jehan [Daruvala] is doing a great job and we're just following his progress with interest, as well as Dennis Hauger as well, all qualifying for super licences. That's our coverage at this point in time.
"Obviously we've got quite a few youngsters and really promising youngsters that are out there at the moment. We've got, obviously, Liam Lawson, we have Dennis Hauger racing in Formula 2 and then obviously Daruvala who remains a junior driver despite testing with another team.
"[Ayumu] Iwaza is showing great potential as well – and that's just in Formula 2. In Formula 3, it's great to see Jonny Edgar back after illness – quite a nasty illness – earlier this year giving him another chance. Isack Hadjar is doing a super job as well, so we've got no shortage of talent coming through all the way from karting through the different formulae."
Lawson's promotion puts him in a prime position for a future F1 seat, with four places available in the sport through the Red Bull operation. Verstappen and Perez appear set to remain with the main team long-term, but any change in that situation would most likely see an AlphaTauri driver promoted – creating an opportunity.
The future of Pierre Gasly could also play a major role, with the Frenchman unhappy after being overlooked for a second chance with the main team. He will remain with AlphaTauri for the 2023 season, but beyond that his future looks far less certain.
