Title: How a Bold Suspension Change Rescued Liam Lawson’s F1 Career
In a dramatic twist of fate that could determine the trajectory of Liam Lawson’s Formula 1 aspirations, the young driver has unveiled how a pivotal front-suspension modification—drawing inspiration from McLaren’s techniques—was instrumental in securing his seat with the Racing Bulls.
Lawson, who faced a harrowing demotion from the main Red Bull team just two races into the 2025 season, found his confidence teetering on the edge after disappointing performances, including a painful DNF and a 12th-place finish in Australia and China. The 23-year-old Kiwi seemed to carry that lackluster momentum into subsequent races, amassing a mere four points over eight challenging rounds. But hope flickered again at the iconic Red Bull Ring, where everything changed.
Frustrated with the limited feedback from his VCARB 02’s front end, Lawson was on the verge of despair. That was until the Racing Bulls team implemented a revised front suspension specifically tailored for him, developed through simulator sessions that offered a lifeline to his racing ambitions. This change paid off immediately, propelling him to a commendable sixth place at the Austrian Grand Prix.
“Straight away from the first time I drove it, it was just night and day in terms of how much more of a natural feeling for me it was to drive,” Lawson exclaimed, as he reflected on the transformation of his car’s handling.
With each race, Lawson’s results continued to improve, showcasing enough grit and determination to earn a spot with Racing Bulls for the 2026 season alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad. “It was good to then just have a clean weekend,” he noted, emphasizing how crucial it was to enjoy an uninterrupted run of practice, qualifying, and race execution—something that had eluded him all year.
Interestingly, Lawson’s successful adjustment bore striking similarities to a solution earlier championed by McLaren’s Lando Norris, who had requested alterations to the MCL39’s steering kingpin inclination (KPI). Such modifications allowed the front wheels to sit at a more advantageous angle, enhancing self-centring on straights and ultimately enabling both drivers to gain improved feedback and control.
What’s remarkable is that Lawson arrived at a similar solution independently, unaware that Norris had paved the way with a comparable tweak. “I didn’t really know that others had done something similar,” he confessed. His analogy likened the experience to the early days of kart racing, where slight adjustments to pedals and steering could make all the difference. “You would make things that were comfortable. Then you get in an F1 car, which is so advanced, and, quite often, you just run what is the standard,” Lawson explained.
The 23-year-old has emerged from this tumultuous season with a vital lesson about adapting to the unforgiving world of F1. “At the end of the day, it’s not perfect for you,” he reflected, acknowledging that minor changes could significantly enhance his comfort and performance, even if such adjustments might not suit other drivers.
As Lawson gears up for the 2026 season, his journey serves as a testament to resilience and innovation in the high-stakes environment of Formula 1. The combination of strategic adjustments and personal growth may just be the key to unlocking his full potential on the track.









