Lawson’s Baku breakthrough: 'ran out of energy' lesson and Tsunoda’s 'hero stuff' restraint
Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda delivered one of Baku’s most compelling subplots: a strategic duel, a hard-won energy-management lesson, and a measured decision to bank points over heroics. The result was Lawson’s best career finish and Tsunoda’s strongest run in years, both forged under intense pressure on the streets of Azerbaijan.
Lawson’s start, the undercut, and Antonelli’s decisive pass
Starting third, Lawson held firm in the opening phase before pitting to cover Kimi Antonelli’s undercut. He emerged narrowly ahead at the start of Lap 21, but on the main straight to begin Lap 22, the Mercedes surged past with DRS. Antonelli would later secure fourth, while Lawson regrouped for a measured run to the flag.
'I ran out of energy' — the lesson that shaped the final stint
Lawson revealed he ran out of battery deployment on the crucial straight just after his stop, leaving him exposed. He quickly adapted, ensuring he always had enough energy for subsequent battles. Despite the improvement, he conceded outright podium pace wasn’t there, even though the strategy calls were sharp and the response to Antonelli’s move was immediate.
Wheel-to-wheel with Tsunoda and fending off heavy hitters
After stops, Lawson and former team-mate Yuki Tsunoda went door-to-door down to Turn 3, with Lawson’s warmer tyres ultimately securing track position. From there, Lawson became the cork in a late-race bottle, managing a tense multi-car scrap involving Tsunoda, Lando Norris, and Lewis Hamilton, while also keeping Charles Leclerc behind for long stretches.
Tsunoda’s 'hero stuff' temptation — and why he backed out
Tsunoda, who qualified sixth, admitted he was tempted to try a 'hero stuff' overtake on Lawson. He reined it in, prioritising team goals over personal glory to ensure both Red Bull cars stayed ahead of McLaren in the points fight. He credited a strong strategy and targeted car changes that boosted his long-run pace, calling it a massive step in the right direction.
Career-best for Lawson, milestone day for Tsunoda
Lawson’s fifth place is a career-best and the strongest finish for a New Zealander in F1 since Chris Amon’s fifth at the 1976 Spanish Grand Prix. Tsunoda sealed sixth, banking eight points — more than he had previously managed for Red Bull in total since his promotion ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix — and his best result since fourth at the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP.
