Liam Lawson outlines Red Bull’s expectation of him as he prepares for F1 return in Austin

“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’s the target that’s been set out.”

While Lawson previously competed in five races during 2023 as he substituted for Ricciardo when the Australian suffered a broken hand, the returning driver has acknowledged that stepping into the car at this stage of the season will be a challenge.

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Reflecting on how he has spent the weeks since his comeback was confirmed, Lawson explained: “It’s been busy. It was strange to have a gap at this point of the year I think. Obviously the gap for me was filled up with quite a lot of stuff.

“It’s just [been about] preparing as much as possible. It’s a difficult time to come into the season, obviously a Sprint weekend this weekend, a new track, end of the season. [So I’m] just trying to be as ready as possible.”