New Zealand’s Formula 1 driver, Liam Lawson, was left with a bitter taste in his mouth following a disappointing qualifying session at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix. The Red Bull professional landed at the tail end of the pack, marking his third consecutive Q1 elimination. Lawson’s candid reflection on his performance revealed a deep self-awareness and a hunger to improve.
The Shanghai circuit proved a tough battleground for the Kiwi racer, who despite showing promise during the Sprint race, found himself back at square one in the Grand Prix qualifiers. Lawson’s best time, a whole 1.2 seconds behind the day’s fastest, Lando Norris, and eight-tenths of a second off his Red Bull teammate, Max Verstappen, left him as the slowest of the 20 drivers.
As the battle for pole position unfolded, Lawson watched from the sidelines, witnessing Verstappen secure a commendable fourth place. Speaking to Sky F1 after his elimination, Lawson expressed a need for time to familiarize himself with the RB21, a luxury he doesn’t possess at this point of the season.
Lawson’s remarks hinted at a personal deadline to meet pre-season targets and contribute to Red Bull’s points tally. Despite feeling confident, he admits he’s been missing the mark, a fact he soberly attributes to the slim margin for error in Formula 1 racing.
However, with Red Bull’s determined efforts to broaden the RB21’s operating window following Verstappen’s struggles last year, Lawson’s early struggles may be a case of a rookie driver finding his feet with a challenging machine.
Lawson, clearly not one for excuses, acknowledged the tough reality of his situation. He explained that while traffic and other issues contributed to a messy session, the team should be able to perform well from the get-go. His first races in Australia and China having been less than ideal, Lawson now sets his sights on the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, a circuit he is familiar with.
Former F1 driver, and now broadcaster, Giedo van der Garde, spoke in Lawson’s defense, attributing his struggles to unfavorable circumstances. Van Der Garde urged patience for the rookie driver, asserting that Lawson has shown potential and has the capacity to excel given time.
Lawson’s early career in Formula 1 is proving to be a steep learning curve. However, his self-critical yet determined outlook is indicative of an individual prepared to face challenges head-on. As the season progresses, the Kiwi driver is expected to continue working hard, learning from his experiences and aiming to make his mark in the world of Formula 1 racing.
