Liam Lawson Attributes F1 Performance Surge to Racing Bulls' Adjustments

Liam Lawson's recent surge in Formula 1 form with Racing Bulls can be traced back to crucial team adjustments, particularly a suspension change made around the Austrian Grand Prix. After an initially challenging return to the Red Bull sister team, Lawson has consistently found his stride, scoring points in four of the last seven races. This turnaround includes a career-best fifth-place finish in Azerbaijan, where he also secured a career-high third on the grid. He credits these technical modifications for significantly boosting his confidence in the car and enabling his improved consistency.

Why it matters:

Liam Lawson's ascent within Racing Bulls is a testament to the symbiotic relationship between driver confidence and car setup. His ability to adapt and capitalize on technical changes highlights the critical role of engineering and driver feedback in Formula 1. This resurgence not only strengthens Racing Bulls' position in the midfield but also bolsters Lawson's case for a permanent F1 seat, especially given the fierce competition within the Red Bull driver pool.

The Details:

• Initial Struggles to Breakthrough: Lawson initially faced difficulties upon his return to the team from Red Bull. However, a significant turning point occurred around the Austrian GP.
• Consistent Point Scoring: Since the Austrian GP, Lawson has scored points in four of the seven races, showcasing a marked improvement in performance and consistency.
• Career-Best Performances: Highlights include a fifth-place finish in Azerbaijan, marking his career-best race result, and a third-place start on the grid, his highest qualifying position to date.
• Key Adjustment: Lawson specifically pinpointed a suspension change made at the Red Bull Ring as a pivotal factor. This modification made the car "more comfortable" for him.
  • Increased comfort directly translated to increased confidence in the machine, which he identifies as the core reason for his upturn in form.
• Team Dynamics: Lawson also noted an improvement in his relationships with his garage team after switching sides from 2024. He believes this enhanced understanding and communication have contributed to his overall performance.
• Learning and Adaptation: "I've been understanding the car more," Lawson explained, emphasizing the continuous process of adaptation and learning throughout the season.

What's next:

Lawson is keen to maintain his current momentum, acknowledging the inherent challenges of consistency in Formula 1. His ability to perform strongly after critical car changes will be closely watched by Red Bull management as they assess their driver lineup for future seasons. If he can sustain this level of performance, particularly as he gains more comfort and understanding of the car, it significantly enhances his long-term prospects within the Red Bull hierarchy and in Formula 1.