Liam Lawson delivered another composed Formula One performance in Qatar, finishing ninth and collecting two valuable points as speculation intensifies over Red Bull’s 2026 driver lineup.
Starting 12th on a track known for limited overtaking, the Kiwi methodically gained three positions to secure his seventh points finish of the season. His Racing Bulls crossed the line just ahead of Yuki Tsunoda, his direct rival for the final 2026 seat.
“From where we started, it’s positive,” Lawson said. “We had really good race pace when we were in clean air – we just spent the whole race in traffic.”
At the front, Max Verstappen kept the championship alive with his seventh win of 2025 after a McLaren strategy error dropped Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris down the order. Norris recovered with a crucial final-lap overtake to protect his title lead, which now sits at just 12 points heading into Abu Dhabi.
Lawson benefited from mid-race chaos, including a safety car triggered by Nico Hulkenberg’s collision with Pierre Gasly. Through steady pace and clean pit stops, he climbed into the top 10 as rivals incurred penalties or pitted.
He held position over the final laps, helped by teammate Isack Hadjar’s late puncture, which secured Racing Bulls a double-points result. The season finale takes place next weekend in Abu Dhabi.
