Kiwi F1 driver Liam Lawson is relishing the "good opportunity" to get back behind the wheel of a Red Bull for this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix.
Lawson's shock return was confirmed yesterday after current Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar suffered a wrist injury during the summer break, ruling him out for the race.
The Kiwi, who is signed for Red Bull junior team Racing Bulls, said the cover shift was "not what I expected coming into this weekend" but a "good opportunity".
"We've had quite a good season so far this year," he said. "So, for me, I'm just focused on trying to continue that this weekend. Although it's in a different car – but that's what I'm focused on."
Lawson was demoted from Red Bull after just two races last season. This year, he has emerged as one of the most consistent drivers on the grid. Regularly leading the midfield and finishing with points, Lawson sits ninth in the standings.
Asked if he was feeling more confident this time, Lawson said: "For sure."
"I've had a lot more races since then as well, so I feel much more comfortable racing in this sport."
With the Grand Prix at Zandvoort being a sprint weekend, Lawson will have just 60 minutes to familiarise himself with an entirely diffrent car during a single practice session.
He anticipated a "very challenging weekend" and a "quick learning process".
"I'm sure getting in the car at the start of practice is going to be quite foreign and take a bit of getting used to," he said.
Lawson also had other ambitions for this weekend – outside of where he finishes at the chequered flag.
"I'm going to try and enjoy it as well. It's a track that I've enjoyed racing at in the past."
Zandvoort is a special place for Lawson, having made his debut there in 2023 as cover for an injured Daniel Ricciardo.
Lawson will also be reuniting with former teammate and four-time champion Max Verstappen, who extended his contract with the team until 2030 after speculation that he would leave.
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