Johnny Herbert Criticizes AlphaTauri’s 2024 F1 Line-Up Decision, Advocates for Rising Star Liam Lawson
In a recent statement, former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert expressed his disagreement with AlphaTauri’s 2024 line-up choice, suggesting Liam Lawson should have been paired with Yuki Tsunoda. Herbert’s critique highlights the missed opportunity to nurture young talent in a team known for developing emerging drivers.
Key Takeaways:
- Herbert’s Stance on AlphaTauri’s Decision: Johnny Herbert, a former racing driver and Sky F1 pundit, has publicly questioned AlphaTauri’s decision to retain Daniel Ricciardo instead of promoting reserve driver Liam Lawson for the 2024 season.
- Lawson’s Impressive F1 Performance: Despite limited opportunities, Lawson made a significant impact during his stint replacing the injured Ricciardo, particularly with his performance at the demanding Marina Bay Street Circuit.
- Debate over Ricciardo’s Future Role: Herbert argues that while Ricciardo is an experienced driver, his recent performances lack the ‘wow factor’, suggesting that the future of AlphaTauri should focus on nurturing talents like Lawson.
Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert recently voiced his opinion on the AlphaTauri team’s line-up for the 2024 season, sparking debate within the racing community. Herbert, known for his insightful commentary and experience in the sport, has critiqued the decision to keep Daniel Ricciardo over reserve driver Liam Lawson, emphasizing the team’s role in developing young talent.
“I think it should have been a Lawson/Tsunoda line-up at AlphaTauri next year. After all, it’s a junior team that exists to [nurture] young talent,” stated Herbert.
Herbert’s comments come in light of Lawson’s impressive performances in the latter part of the season. Stepping in for the injured Ricciardo, the New Zealander showcased his skills, especially at the challenging Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore, where he scored his first points.
Despite Lawson’s promising showings and strong qualifying rounds, AlphaTauri chose to extend the contracts of both Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo for the upcoming season. This decision relegates Lawson to continue his role as a reserve driver for both AlphaTauri and the Milton Keynes-based Red Bull Racing team.
Lawson, who recently affirmed his commitment to Red Bull by declining a potential move to Williams, faces a wait for a full-time entry into Formula 1. At just 21 years old, his prospects remain high, but the immediate path to a regular seat is unclear.
Herbert, in his column for Motor Sport Magazine, elaborated on his viewpoint: “Team-mate Yuki Tsunoda has done a good job too – but I feel Liam already has taken control at AlphaTauri. For me, he earned a seat for 2024.”
Highlighting Ricciardo’s lack of a ‘wow factor’ upon his return and contrasting it with Lawson’s immediate impact, Herbert believes that Lawson’s performances indicate a special talent deserving of a more prominent role.
Herbert’s admiration for Lawson is rooted not just in his results but in his adaptability and immediate effectiveness. “I’m impressed with what I’ve seen from Liam Lawson because in a very short space of time, he has been able to adjust to the bubble of Formula 1,” Herbert added.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how AlphaTauri’s decision will play out in the 2024 season. However, Herbert’s endorsement of Lawson adds an intriguing dimension to the discourse surrounding Formula 1’s future talents and the decisions made by teams in nurturing them.
