Liam Lawson Achieves Breakthrough P6 Finish in Austrian Grand Prix Qualifying

Liam Lawson, a rising star in Formula One, showcased his racing prowess by securing a sixth-place starting position during the qualifying session for the Austrian Grand Prix on Saturday. This achievement marks a significant turnaround for Lawson, who is driving for Racing Bulls after a challenging start to the 2025 season.

Having begun the season with the senior Red Bull team, Lawson faced difficulties and was subsequently demoted. However, he has been working diligently to regain his confidence and performance on the track. His efforts bore fruit at the Red Bull Ring, where he exhibited a strong pace throughout the practice sessions, ultimately leading to his best qualifying result of the current season.

"It feels like it’s been a long time! It’s really cool to have a good Quali," Lawson expressed, reflecting on his performance. He emphasized the importance of the weekend’s session, stating, "We see everything behind the scenes and in the last couple of races everything’s felt really good, honestly. I’ve felt really good. We’ve done a lot of work on the car, and on my side as well, just to make it more comfortable for me."

This qualification result is particularly noteworthy as it marks Lawson's highest grid position since the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where he started fifth. Lawson attributed his success this weekend to a smooth qualifying session, stating, “The last couple of weekends the pace has been there through practice...This weekend, of all the weekends to get it across the line, it’s been cool because it’s so close.” He emphasized the pressure on both the driver and the team to perform, highlighting the tight competition in the current season.

In contrast, Lawson's rookie teammate, Isack Hadjar, encountered challenges during qualifying. He was eliminated in the Q2 phase and will start the race from 13th position. Hadjar expressed disappointment, saying, "It’s disappointing, because Q1 was looking really good. Even my Q1 lap would have qualified me for Q3, so I don’t know how we can go backwards from that."

The implications of Lawson's performance extend beyond personal achievement; they reflect the broader dynamics within the Racing Bulls team as they strive to enhance their competitive standing in the 2025 season. With Lawson's optimistic outlook for the race, he mentioned the complexities of tire degradation and the unpredictability of race conditions. "I hope so! At the same time, the [tyre degradation] is decent, and the long runs are tricky. We had a good long run [in practice], but it’s always different in a race when you’re in traffic, and I’m sure there’s going to be a mix of strategies," Lawson stated.

As the team prepares for the race, their focus will remain on optimizing car performance and strategy amidst the competitive landscape of Formula One. Lawson's P6 position could be a turning point not only for him personally but also for Racing Bulls as they navigate the remainder of the season. The upcoming race will serve as a critical test of Lawson's newfound momentum and the team's overall capabilities.

In summary, Liam Lawson's P6 qualifying result at the Austrian Grand Prix marks a significant milestone in his racing career, reflecting both his personal growth and the potential for Racing Bulls to improve their standings in the current Formula One season. The anticipation for the race day builds, with fans and analysts alike eager to see how Lawson's performance translates into race conditions.