Lawson building momentum

Liam Lawson says he is enjoying a “nice bit of momentum” in the Formula One championship after finishing ninth in the Japanese Grand Prix before a month-long break from racing.

The performance at the Suzuka Circuit follows the New Zealander clinching two seventh-place results in the sprint and grand prix races in China two weeks earlier.

Lawson, pictured, picked up two points for his efforts in Japan on March 29 after starting 14th on the grid.

He had encountered front wing issues with his Visa Cash App Racing Bulls the day before and was unable to complete the third qualifying session. 

The Kiwi says he was “very pleased” after the chequered flag and praised the team as they “did a great job rebalancing the car, which led to a strong race”. 

“The first part of the race was really tough, but we got the car into a better window during the hard [tyre] stint towards the end,” he adds. 

“We were also a bit fortunate with the safety car, which helped us move into the points. Without that, it would have been difficult to finish where we did, so it’s good to come away with something. 

“That’s three point-scoring finishes in the last two races, which is a nice bit of momentum heading into the break. I’ll spend time training and with the team to reflect on the past month before Miami, as we keep working to improve.”

Lawson is 10th in the drivers’ standings on 12 points as the competition has an extended break after races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled because of conflict in the Middle East. The drivers will return to action for the Miami Grand Prix on May 4 (NZ time).

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli made it back-to-back victories after winning in Japan and tops the championship with 72 points. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was second at Suzuka and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc completed the podium.

Meanwhile, Lawson’s teammate Arvid Lindblad finished 14th, with his result affected by pitting just before the safety car.