Lawson scored his second win in the Japanese single-seater series in four starts in Sunday’s race at Autopolis, vaulting himself into the championship lead.
The Team Mugen driver now has four points in hand over Ritomo Miyata with five races to go after hanging on with older tyres following a late safety car restart.
Lawson’s latest victory comes at a time that de Vries is coming under increasing pressure over his tough start to his rookie season in F1, with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko thought to be keen to see an upturn in form from the Dutchman in the next three races.
Despite being touted as a possible replacement should Red Bull opt to dispense with de Vries, Lawson insists that his main objective is to claim the Super Formula title and put himself in a strong position to land a seat with AlphaTauri in 2024.
Asked by Autosport about the significance of the timing of his win at Autopolis, Lawson replied: “It’s good timing in the sense it puts me in the lead of the championship, and that’s what I am thinking about at the moment.
“I want to finish the year and fight for the championship, and that will give me the best opportunity for next year.
“In terms of what’s happening [in F1]... it’s completely outside of my control. I am just happy to win today.”
Source: Autosport