Frustrating for Lawson, a good day for Racing Bulls in Qatar

A frustrating day for Visa Cash App Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson at the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix. Having qualified 16th for the F1 Sprint Race, the Kiwi finished outside the points in 14th. Sevaqrl hours later he qualified 12 for Sunday’s Grand Prix having been knocked out of Q2.

“The car has been very sensitive this weekend but it felt in a much better window compared to yesterday(Friday), meaning we ended Q1 in a good place,” said Lawson. “Unfortunately, very small changes make the car feel tricky to drive, so we barely improved in Q2.

“It’s frustrating, but a step up from yesterday given our race pace was very good when the balance was there. We’ll come together to make improvements ahead of the race tomorrow.”

**Liam Lawson – photo Guido De Bortoli-LAT Images**

Lawson’s teammate finished the Sprint Race outside the points in ninth having started in 11th. He then went on to make it through to Q3 and will start the Qatar Grand Prix from sixth on the grid.

“A really good day for VCARB today in Qatar,” said a more optimistic Tim Goss, Racing Bulls Chief Technical Officer. “Both drivers had good starts, good opening laps and gained places in the Sprint. Isack was briefly ahead of Sainz and into a points scoring position, but slipped back after attempting an overtake on Antonelli.

“He made up two places from his starting position and finished 9th. Liam had a great opening lap and settled in just behind Leclerc, gaining a total of three places to finish 14th. Overall we were pleased to make places and to show our car’s race pace which was strong ahead of tomorrow.

“Qualifying was an exciting session. We knew both drivers had more to deliver than Sprint Qualifying and we proved it. Both drivers progressed through Q1 comfortably and retained new tyre sets for the later sessions.

“Q2 was extremely tight, and Liam just missed the cut into Q3. Isack progressed and ultimately delivered two fantastic laps to qualify an impressive 6th. Both drivers are well placed against our main competitors in the Constructor’s Championship and we look forwards to bagging some vital points in the race tomorrow.”