Liam Lawson has credited set-up changes and growing synergy within his Racing Bulls crew as key drivers behind his recent upswing in Formula 1. After a challenging return earlier in the year, the New Zealander has scored points in four of the seven races since a breakthrough at the Austrian Grand Prix, including a career-best fifth place in Azerbaijan and a career-high third on the grid.
Suspension tweak at the Red Bull Ring sparked confidence
Lawson pinpoints changes introduced around the Austrian GP — notably adjustments to the suspension — for making the car feel more natural and predictable. That comfort has translated into confidence and, crucially, consistency across race weekends.
“I've felt pretty good and the speed has been there most of the year, and it has just been the consistency which has been coming recently,” Lawson said. “Recently, things have been working for us as a team. We made some changes around Austria time, and it made the car more comfortable for me, and that helped a lot.”
Reflecting on the opening phase of the campaign, Lawson adds that the car has come to him over time: getting comfortable has brought the results.
Building relationships on the other side of the garage
The New Zealander also underlines the human factor. Having switched sides of the garage since last season, he notes that the relationships with his engineers and mechanics have matured, yielding clearer communication and a tighter feedback loop.
“The relationships you form with people on your side of the garage just get better over time, and I've been understanding the car more,” he explained. “If I reflect on the first half of the year, it's just getting more comfortable as the year has gone on. That is what probably has brought some of the results.”
Eyes on maintaining momentum
Lawson remains realistic about the ebb and flow of a long F1 season, acknowledging that maintaining form is one of the sport’s toughest challenges. For now, the focus is on carrying forward what works and continuing to consolidate the progress made since Austria.
“I know at some point I will get into some difficulties. But in general, I feel pretty good, the car is fast, and I'm trying to carry on that form,” he said.
With renewed confidence in his machine and improving consistency, Lawson’s recent results suggest a solid platform on which to build through the remainder of the season.
