Lawson delivers ‘textbook’ drive

Formula 1 star Liam Lawson produced a “textbook” race as he clinched a top-10 finish at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.

The Visa Cash App Racing Bulls driver started ninth and finished in the same spot after adopting a one-stop strategy and being comfortably faster than his midfield rivals.

Kimi Antonelli took the chequered flag for Mercedes in the October 26 contest, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc second and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen third.

The result leaves Lawson ninth in the drivers’ championship on 77 points, with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly one place behind the New Zealander on 42 points. 

Meanwhile, Racing Bulls are fifth in the teams’ standings and have built a 33-point advantage over Alpine.

“It’s been a really positive weekend,” says Lawson, pictured. “The team have done a brilliant job with the upgrades they’ve brought to the car, so it feels great to be coming away with points. 

“We executed the race very well and I’ve personally felt good in the car all weekend as it’s in a strong place at the moment. 

“We’re still quite far behind the front runners, but to be at the top of the midfield and looking ahead should be seen as a positive. 

“I’m looking forward to continuing this momentum and racing at some of the unique tracks we’ve got coming up. Big thanks to the team for all the hard work.”

Alan Permane, Racing Bulls team principal, was celebrating a “very strong weekend” after Lawson and teammate Arvid Lindblad both made the third qualifying session. Lindblad finished in 11th.

“It was a textbook race from Liam; he controlled the gap to Pierre throughout and was driving well within himself and the car,” adds Permane.

The next round of the Formula 1 season is in Mexico on November 2, when championship leader Antonelli could clinch the drivers’ title.