In the last 2 years, two major things have gone missing from the F1 paddock: A. The Form of Daniel Ricciardo B. His Wide Smile. Even if the Australian driver does not make it obvious, it has arguably been the worst phase of his career. Nonetheless, 2023 had promised to inject some enthusiasm into Ricciardo’s life. With Red Bull planning a show run at the Bathurst 12H in Australia, it felt natural that Daniel will take center stage in Mount Panorama. But instead, the team denied Daniel and has chosen Liam Lawson to drive their 2011 RB7 at Supercar race weekend.

According to Autosport.com, Lawson will be doing the demonstration runs across the mountainous track at Mount Panorama. Lawson, who is also the reserve driver for both RBR and AlphaTauri has commented on his excitement to drive at Bathurst.

Liam said, “I’m super excited. I’ve never been to Bathurst before, so it’ll be a first for me. Being from New Zealand, Supercars is a massive series and I’ve grown up watching it, especially the Bathurst 1000. It’s always been one of the biggest events that I’ve known.”

“I’m excited to finally tackle the Mountain and in that car as well – in the RB7 – which I have had the privilege of driving once and it was one of the coolest experiences of my life. I’m really excited to have that opportunity again at such a unique place, and to see the fans’ reaction to the car because I think it will be quite cool.”

The Bathurst 12-Hour weekend is on the February 3rd to February 5th weekend. Apparently, this is the same weekend when Red Bull launches its 2023 car – the RB19 in New York City. The team has fulfilled Daniel’s F1 demand of getting a 3rd driver role. Thus, Ricciardo’s presence may be more required in NYC over Mount Panorama. Nonetheless, even for Daniel, his major racing dream of Bathurst remains pending for now.

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Lawson would certainly be fulfilling his dream this year of driving at the Mount Panorama track. Although, this also raises questions about where his future related to F1 lies. He will be sharing reserve driver duties in 2023 with Ricciardo. But Liam ain’t sure of getting an F1 drive, even if a seat gets vacant at Red Bull or AlphaTauri.

Daniel Ricciardo or Liam Lawson – Who does Red Bull pick, if required?

There has been a lot of talk about Daniel Ricciardo getting a race seat at Red Bull again. Since he is the designated 3rd driver, many assume that Ricciardo may get the nod if Max Verstappen or Sergio Perez cannot drive for some reason. Then what about Liam Lawson?

The New Zealander has already signed up for the Super Formula series in Japan. Still, he will share the reserve role with Daniel. Yet, if a one-off race opportunity comes up at Red Bull, it is unlikely that Liam gets the nod over Daniel.

Lawson has been a promising, reliable talent from the team’s junior program. So, it may seem unfair to him, that Ricciardo gets the preference over him. After all, the Aussie has been out of the team’s system for a while. But, the only thing that makes Daniel’s case better is he is an 8-time race winner.

So, if the experience becomes a crucial criterion for this unlikely scenario of swapping drivers for a race, Red Bull may have a clear choice. As for Lawson, he is aiming to break through F1 via the Japanese route of Super Formula. Even Pierre Gasly made good use of that route, so it may work out for the Kiwi.

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Overall, Red Bull doesn’t want to be in this tough situation for sure. It will become a bone of contention. Does the Milton Keynes team give the rookie a chance or the experienced guy looking for redemption? To avoid this, RBR might ensure neither Verstappen nor Perez gets any issues in the whole season.