Liam Lawson outqualified Max Verstappen during the qualifying session at the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix, placing sixth on the grid while Verstappen qualified seventh. Despite this, Lawson dismissed any talk that his performance was motivated by revenge, even though he had a difficult start as a Red Bull driver this season.

Background on Lawson and Verstappen’s Recent Team Dynamics

Following Sergio Perez’s departure from Red Bull at the end of 2024, Red Bull promoted Liam Lawson from their junior squad, Racing Bulls, to replace him. However, after struggling to match Verstappen’s pace, Lawson was moved back to the junior team by Round 3, with Yuki Tsunoda taking over Perez’s spot in the main Red Bull lineup.

Tsunoda has also faced challenges, managing to accumulate only seven points compared to Verstappen, who continues to compete strongly against McLaren drivers and remains on course for a potential fifth consecutive Drivers’ Championship. Nevertheless, Verstappen experienced a setback during qualifying at the Austrian GP.

Key Moments That Influenced Qualifying Results

Verstappen’s final qualifying lap was compromised after encountering yellow flags triggered by a spin from his former Red Bull teammate Pierre Gasly at the final corner. As a result, Verstappen was forced to abort his last Q3 attempt, settling for a seventh-place grid position. Meanwhile, Lawson capitalized on the situation and earned sixth place, a notable performance in his Racing Bulls car.

Lawson Addresses Claims of Revenge Against Verstappen

When asked about the idea that outqualifying Verstappen might be motivated by revenge, Lawson quickly rejected the suggestion. “It’s not revenge, no,” he said, expressing surprise at the notion.

“I haven’t really raced him at all, so…”

Lawson added that the strong qualifying result was a product of team effort and preparation rather than any personal vendetta.

“It’s a good position obviously, we maximised today, but I obviously don’t expect to be racing tomorrow with some of the guys around us. But some of the guys behind, for sure we’re going to be trying to keep that.”

He further emphasized his pride in the team’s recent hard work and adjustments made to help him feel more comfortable in the car.

“And I think today reflected that.”

—Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Driver

Christian Horner Comments on Verstappen’s Qualifying Effort and Strategy

Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner praised Verstappen for his quick reaction to the yellow flags caused by Gasly’s spin, noting that Verstappen’s decision to lift off was the correct response despite costing him a faster lap. Verstappen is currently one penalty point away from a potential race ban, but two penalty points are set to expire after Austria, easing some pressure on him.

“He could see the yellow, so of course, he’s done the right thing,”

Horner said on Sky F1.

“He’s reacted to the flag. It takes precedent to the dash.”

Horner continued to explain how Verstappen’s aborted lap might have yielded a front-row starting position.

“It was a great shame. On the predicted time at that corner, he would have done a time that might have squeezed him on the front row. Certainly would have been third.”

—Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing Team Principal

Implications for the Championship and Upcoming Race

Lawson’s performance at the Austrian GP highlights his growing confidence and capability within the Red Bull racing framework, despite the challenges he faced earlier this year. Verstappen’s qualifying position, while below expectations, still places him in a competitive spot to regain ground during the race.

The incident with the yellow flags and the ongoing penalty situation adds a layer of tension as Verstappen pursues his fifth consecutive Drivers’ Championship. Meanwhile, Lawson’s steady progress with Racing Bulls suggests he will continue to be a contender to watch in qualifying sessions and race performances moving forward.