Lawson shakes off 'rust' to underline Horner 'veteran' view

Liam Lawson was described as 'looking like a veteran' by Red Bull team principal Christian Horner after delivering a stunning drive into the points on his return to F1.

After taking a multitude of power unit penalties that saw him start the United States Grand Prix in 19th in his RB, the pressure was off Lawson in many respects.

Undeterred, the 22-year-old New Zealander equalled his career-best finish in F1 - albeit he has only had six races - by claiming ninth position at the chequered flag to score two vital points for the team in its battle with Haas for sixth place in the constructors' championship.

The crowning glory was coming out ahead of team-mate Yuki Tsunoda after a 36-lap opening stint on hard tyres, and going on to finish five places ahead of the Japanese driver.

"I thought he jumped in and looked like a veteran, to be honest with you," said Horner on Lawson's performance. "He's a great and he can be very happy with that drive.

"I thought he drove a great grand prix. Starting 19th, finishing in the points, some great overtakes, so he should be pleased with that."

Lawson conceded that he "definitely felt rusty" on his return after a year on the sidelines between deputising in five races for an injured Daniel Ricciardo last year and taking over the seat from the Australian for the final six grands prix of this campaign.

"No matter how much training or preparation you do nothing prepares you for driving one of these cars," said Lawson on Sky Sports F1.

"Honestly, I've worked harder than ever over the last 12 months to be physically ready for this. But no driving. We did very limited testing as well, and so it was hard.

"Friday was a battle with one practice session going into quali. It's never a nice feeling not feeling completely comfortable, and to throw the car into a corner like you want to. It was tough.

"I wanted to get to the end of the weekend and feel comfortable, and I think we were able to do that."

Lawson not cracking under pressure

Lawson delivered several overtakes en route to racing into the top 10 as he looks to cement a seat in F1 for next season.

As to whether that will be with RB or he will take over from Sergio Perez at Red Bull remains to be seen.

All Lawson knows is that he has to keep delivering for the remaining five grands prix, and one reward or another will come his way.

"I know they have an expectation on me, but at the end of the day, I've got an expectation on myself as well to do a job," he said.

"I want to stay in Formula 1 and have a full-time seat next year, and these races are my key to doing that. So from my side, I'm taking it weekend by weekend. This weekend was strong. We need to now focus on Mexico.

"I'm well aware of the expectation they have on me, but at the end of the day, it's been like that since I was 16 years old as a junior. You know that they've always put pressure on, so realistically, it's no different."