Liam Lawson secured his career-best F1 finish at the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix, overcoming a hidden physical struggle during the race. The New Zealand driver completed the 70-lap event in 30-degree heat without taking any fluids, an unusual tactic that underscored his determination and focus.

Breakthrough weekend at the Red Bull Ring marks a turning point

After a difficult start to the 2025 F1 season, Lawson’s performance at the Red Bull Ring offered a bright moment. Qualifying strong in Q3, he earned sixth place on the grid for Racing Bulls and managed to maintain his position ahead of experienced competitor Fernando Alonso throughout the race.

Despite an early scare involving a collision between Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen nearby, which eliminated both, Lawson avoided the chaos and stayed on pace. Alonso stayed close behind, utilizing his DRS advantage, but Lawson managed to keep him at bay, finishing just over five seconds behind race winner George Russell in fifth.

Crossing the finish line on the lead lap, Lawson’s engineering team celebrated the result, highlighting the achievement as the team’s best finish so far this season.

Revealing the intense demands of Lawson’s race strategy

Lawson’s race was notable not only for the position gained but also for the physical endurance it demanded. An unbroadcast radio exchange after the race revealed that Lawson had abstained from drinking throughout the event, a rare choice given the extreme temperatures. His engineer, Ernesto Derniderio, noted the effort and urged Lawson to hydrate after the race, to which Lawson expressed gratitude for the team’s support.

Context of Lawson’s journey and career progress in F1

Beginning the season with Red Bull’s main team, Lawson had been promoted due to strong late performances in 2024 when he replaced Daniel Ricciardo. However, two tough races led to a team reshuffle, moving Lawson to Racing Bulls with Yuki Tsunoda stepping up to the senior team. While Lawson initially struggled to score points—his best prior being eighth place in Monaco—his teammate Isack Hadjar had already claimed points on five occasions that year.

At the Austrian Grand Prix, Lawson adopted a one-stop pit strategy, diverging from the majority of the field that opted for two stops. This approach contributed to securing his best result of the season and demonstrated his adaptability during the race.

Lawson’s reflections on a challenging but promising season

Speaking after the race, Lawson described the year as “incredibly tough,” expressing that despite having the “confidence and speed,” several races did not yield the desired results.

“It’s been an incredibly tough year,” —Liam Lawson
“To finally have a result is amazing, but we need to obviously keep doing this as well.” —Liam Lawson

He also highlighted the broader significance of his performance for New Zealand, marking the best finish by a Kiwi driver since Chris Amon secured fifth place at the 1976 Spanish Grand Prix.

“That’s pretty cool,” Lawson said, emphasizing the pride it brings to his home country.

“There’s a few Kiwis coming up as well, and hopefully in the future we can have some more of them.”

—Liam Lawson

Implications for Lawson and New Zealand’s presence in Formula 1

Liam Lawson’s breakthrough at the Austrian Grand Prix not only marks a career milestone but also signals a potential resurgence for New Zealand talent in Formula 1 after decades. His perseverance through the demanding race environment, coupled with strategic execution, has set a positive tone for the remainder of the season. Continued strong performances could secure a more consistent position for Lawson within the Racing Bulls team or a return to Red Bull’s senior outfit, while inspiring emerging Kiwi drivers aiming for future success.