Lawson reveals Red Bull target for F1 return

Liam Lawson has revealed the expectation that has been set upon his shoulders by Red Bull for his F1 return.

The New Zealander has replaced Daniel Ricciardo for the remainder of the season, racing alongside Yuki Tsunoda at RB.

Despite having just five grands prix starts to his name, Lawson has been linked with a drive at Red Bull for next year to replace Sergio Perez, who has struggled for form throughout much of the campaign.

Asked if goals had been set to be gifted a seat at Red Bull next year, Lawson told media including RacingNews365: “That's very far ahead. 

“Honestly, the target, or the goal that has been set out, is the same as it's always been since I was 17 and joined the programme. 

“It's all performance-based and that is how they will be looking at it, obviously. Yuki has done a very good job the last couple of years, and especially this year.”

Tsuonda out-paced Lawson in qualifying on three occasions to the two from the 22-year-old, while Lawson's ninth-place finish in Singapore marked the team's best result in the opening 17 rounds.

Lawson asserted he is only focused on beating the Japanese driver upon his second call-up to F1 as he looks to again impress Red Bull.

“He [Tsunoda] is the benchmark for them to compare me against," he said. "He is the only one in the same car as me, so I'll be directly compared with him.

“I guess the goal, or the expectation from them, is for me to compete alongside him. 

“In terms of where that sets me out for next year, or in the future, I have absolutely no idea, but that is the target that has been set up.”