Lawson Secures Points in Qatar Despite Traffic Challenges
Liam Lawson secured valuable points for Racing Bulls at the Qatar Grand Prix, finishing 9th despite battling significant traffic. His consistent pace helped the team gain crucial ground in the Constructors' Championship. Teammate Isack Hadjar, however, was forced to retire from a strong points-scoring position due to a mechanical failure. Lawson now looks to the Abu Dhabi finale to close out the season strongly.
Liam Lawson successfully navigated a challenging Qatar Grand Prix, converting a midfield start into a points finish for Racing Bulls. The Kiwi driver's consistent pace and strategic execution were key to his performance at the Lusail International Circuit.
Why it matters:
- Lawson's points finish is crucial for Racing Bulls in their tight Constructors' Championship battle, giving them a 12-point buffer over Aston Martin and keeping Haas and Sauber at bay.
- It further solidifies Lawson's position and demonstrates his ability to consistently extract points, marking his seventh points finish of the 2025 season.
The Details:
- Starting from 12th on the grid, Lawson climbed to 9th place, showcasing strong pace particularly in clean air.
- He spent a significant portion of the race battling traffic, which limited his overall progress but highlighted his race craft.
- Teammate Isack Hadjar was running as high as sixth and in contention for significant points until a front wheel deflector broke on the penultimate lap, forcing his retirement.
- Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane attributed the failure to the heavy kerbing at Lusail but stressed the need for further investigation.
- This result brings Lawson's season total to 38 points, placing him just three points behind Oliver Bearman.
What's next:
With the season finale in Abu Dhabi approaching, Racing Bulls will be focused on securing their position in the Constructors' Championship.
- Lawson aims to finish the season strongly, contributing further to the team's points tally.
- The team will be working to prevent a recurrence of the technical issues that plagued Hadjar's car in Qatar, ensuring both cars are reliable for the final race.
- A strong performance in Abu Dhabi is essential for Racing Bulls to maintain their advantage and round off the season on a high.