I’m really looking forward to be racing in Japan this weekend. Suzuka is one of my favorite tracks on the calendar,” said Lawson. “It’s cool to drive and very high speed, which makes it great fun in a Formula One car.

What makes it special: The only figure-eight layout in F1, with legendary corners such as the Esses, 130R and the Degners. The Japanese fans are also unlike any others in F1, dressing in homemade costumes and staying late into the night just to watch activity in the garages.

SUZUKA, Japan (AP) — No one knows better than Liam Lawson how quickly things can change in results-driven, money-driven Formula 1. Last week the New Zealander was suddenly demoted to Racing Bulls after two poor Formula 1 races with the top team — Red Bull — in Australia and China to start the season.

Liam Lawson opened up on the way he was informed about his Red Bull demotion over a phone call, effective from the Japanese GP.

Lewis Hamilton said Red Bull's decision to swap Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda after just two races shows the unfair pressure placed on young drivers in Formula 1 today.