Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson enjoyed a double-points finish during the first Sprint Race weekend of the season at the 2026 F1 Chinese GP. The New Zealander crossed the line in 7th in Sunday’s main race , securing a valuable points haul for both himself and the team. Lawson currently sits 9th in the Drivers’ Standings, while the team holds their position in 4th alongside Red Bull, marking a strong start to their 2026 F1 campaign.
Speaking in the print media zone following the race, the 24 year-old reflected on his performance, saying: “Yeah, I mean for the speed we had this weekend, it’s very, very positive. We definitely didn’t expect to have two points finishers after spring qualifying and qualifying yesterday especially. So, yeah, very happy.”
Despite adding more points alongside his rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad, there were moments in the race where the two Racing Bulls battled fiercely—at times getting a little too close for comfort. When asked about the on-track fight between them, Lawson explained: “No, I was trying to box. He had a train of cars behind him and if he got me then I was probably going to get done by two or three more.”
“So, I was trying to not lose too much time and in the end we boxed right before the safety car which was probably calmer.”
“We absolutely maximised the package” — Lawson on Racing Bulls’ competitiveness at the 2026 F1 Chinese GP
Compared to the start of last season at Red Bull, Lawson has truly found his footing at Racing Bulls. Encouraged by his and the team’s strong start to 2026, the 24 year-old remains optimistic about the races ahead, believing once the team unlocks more speed, better results will follow.
“Yeah, it’s good. In Melbourne we were quite quick, but we definitely weren’t quick this weekend. So, we salvaged a great result out of a pretty average weekend on pace. So, going forward, once we find some speed, I think we should be in a great position.”
He emphasised that strong results depend not just on outright speed, but on executing and managing every aspect of the race effectively. Given their performance, he felt that the team maximised everything available and credited their hard work, adding that results like these only continue to fuel them with confidence.
Lawson said: “I think especially because over a race weekend, even if you have a quick car, there’s a lot you have to do strategy-wise, also race pace-wise to make sure you look after the tyres and have a car that’s good over the race.”
“For the speed we had, we absolutely maximised the package this weekend and I think that’s a good result. Great full credit to the team obviously for the hard work and I’m sure it motivates everybody because we know once we do find that pace we’ll be in an even better position.”
