Speaking to GPblog after the Abu Dhabi GP, the New Zealander said he was glad the season had come to an end and plans to use the winter break as a moment to reflect on everything that happened and come back next year with a fresh start.

“It’s been a tough year for sure and one that I’ll definitely spend some time in the break reflecting on because I haven’t done that yet and take all the learnings into next year. Grateful for the opportunity to have another go next year and try and make it a better year.”

And on his demotion from Red Bull to RB after just two races, Lawson added: “It feels like so long ago to be honest. I don’t even remember that much of it. It was a very sh*t time honestly. It’s something I’ll reflect on I’m sure but I just haven’t done it yet. It’s been such a busy season and I think it’s something I’ll learn from for sure.

Lawson finished the season with 38 points, thirteen fewer than his teammate (despite having two more races), who next year will be the one challenging Max Verstappen at Red Bull.

As mentioned earlier, the New Zealander will remain on the grid next year with the Faenza-based team, this time alongside another rising Red Bull junior, Arvid Lindblad.

Lawson, like Hadjar and Tsunoda, only learned about his plans for the upcoming season in the closing stages of the one just finished, before receiving some positive news.