Lawson Owns Up to 'My Bad' Abu Dhabi GP Penalty After Erratic Defense

Liam Lawson conceded his five-second penalty at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was "probably my bad" after stewards penalized him for erratic defense against Oliver Bearman. The incident dropped him from P13 to P18, capping a quiet end to his debut F1 season with Racing Bulls.

Why it matters:

Driver accountability remains rare in modern F1, where post-race disputes often dominate. Lawson’s candid admission—unusual in an era of technical justifications—highlights his growing maturity as a rookie. With six super license points already accumulated, another penalty could trigger a race ban, making clean racing critical for his 2025 prospects.

The Details:

• Stewards ruled Lawson’s weaving between Turns 8-9 during Bearman’s overtake attempt constituted "driving erratically," violating Article 27.5 of the sporting regulations.
• Video evidence showed Lawson pulling sharply across Bearman’s Haas down the straight after the Turn 6-7 chicane, nearly forcing the Briton into the wall.
• Penalty impact: The five-second time penalty cost Lawson five positions, burying him behind both Haas cars despite an early battle with championship-winning Lando Norris.
• License risk: The added super license point brings Lawson to six of 12 allowed over 12 months—a precarious tally for a driver still adapting to F1’s physical demands.
• Rookie reflection: Lawson acknowledged moving "quite late" in his defense, stating: "It wasn’t intentional, but I guess that’s why I got the penalty."

What’s next:

Lawson’s admission contrasts sharply with typical post-race defensiveness, suggesting he’s internalizing F1’s unwritten rules faster than many newcomers. His six super license points now demand meticulous racecraft in 2025, especially as he transitions from substitute to full-time driver.

• With Racing Bulls set for a major 2025 overhaul—including a new chassis and Honda power unit—Lawson must avoid avoidable incidents to prove his worth amid speculation about his 2026 seat.
• His candid post-race demeanor could win favor with stewards in future close calls, though the sport’s strict penalty system leaves little room for error.
• As one of only three active drivers (alongside Zhou and Magnussen) with six or more license points, Lawson’s ability to stay clean will directly impact his career trajectory in a grid where race bans loom larger than ever.