Kiwi Liam Lawson concedes he's still uncertain over his Formula One future, even during preparation for this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.
Reports have emerged Lawson will not be in AlphaTauri's car for the 2024 season, despite excelling during his time as an injury replacement for Daniel Ricciardo.
Since coming into the AlphaTauri car, Lawson has outqualified world champion Max Verstappen and taken the team's best finish of 2023 at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Newshub understands an announcement of some sort will come during this weekend's Grand Prix at Suzuka, likely to confirm a contract extension for Yuki Tsunoda at his home race. Whether an extension for Ricciardo is announced at the same time remains to be seen.
While Red Bull - who oversee AlphaTauri - still settle on a driver pairing for next year, Lawson says he will continue to do what he can to show the powers-that-be why he belongs in Formula One.
"When I say my 'plan' is to be in a full-time seat, that's my goal - but I don't know when that can happen.
"I'm obviously trying to do everything I can right now to show I can be here, but at the same time, I don't know when that will be. That's not [saying] I expect to be here, that's not what I'm trying to say.
"It's more that I'm trying to show that I can be here."
Meanwhile, Lawson's hopes will be boosted by his local knowledge of the Suzuka track. The Kiwi has already raced at the iconic circuit this year, finishing fourth, during the Japanese Super Formula series.
Lawson will return to Super Formula once he's finished at AlphaTauri, where he will deputise, until Ricciardo is fully fit.
With one round of racing to go - also at Suzuka - Lawson sits eight points off the championship lead.
