Liam Lawson Sends Clear Message on Racing Bulls’ Limits

Liam Lawson sent a clear message to Racing Bulls during the first day of the Canadian Grand Prix by emphasizing the need to keep pushing the limits. The young New Zealander had an impressive Friday at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, finishing tenth on the timesheets.

This placed him right behind Max Verstappen and just ahead of teammate Isack Hadjar, marking one of his best starts to a grand prix weekend this season. Lawson’s performance was notable as it’s a rare occasion where he clocked a faster time than Hadjar during Friday practice.

The Canadian track has long been a favorite among drivers, and Lawson expressed how much he enjoyed driving there, calling it a place he has always wanted to visit. Practice sessions were very close throughout the field, especially in the competitive midfield, pushing drivers to extract every fraction of speed from their cars.

Lawson acknowledged this challenge, noting that while the day was fun and the track enjoyable, the key was to continue searching for more pace. “We need to keep pushing the limits and finding every bit of speed we can,” Lawson commented, highlighting the razor-thin margins that separate teams in the current Formula 1 season.

Looking ahead to Saturday, Lawson made it clear that reaching Q3 in qualifying is a realistic goal, provided Racing Bulls maintains the strong car balance seen in recent races. He pointed out the importance of chasing the optimal setup throughout the weekend, saying, “The car has been very, very strong recently. So as long as we keep chasing the balance, I think it’s possible, but let’s see tomorrow.”

His determination is fueled by the recent gains the Faenza-based team has made, which have allowed Lawson to challenge more established competitors on the grid. Racing Bulls currently sits sixth in the 2025 Constructors’ Standings, with Lawson and Hadjar combining for 28 points.

McLaren leads at the top, while Red Bull and Mercedes continue to battle close behind. As of the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, Oscar Piastri holds the lead in the Drivers’ Standings, just ahead of McLaren teammate Lando Norris, while Verstappen, Russell, and Leclerc round out the top five.

Lawson’s consistent performances have contributed significantly, earning him valuable experience and points in the midfield battle. Friday’s results underline the progress Racing Bulls has made throughout the season.

The fight for position in the standings remains fierce, with every session and every tenth of a second crucial in determining the final outcome. Lawson’s focus on consistently improving through each practice and qualifying session will be key for the rest of the weekend.

As the field prepares for qualifying, all eyes will be on whether Lawson’s fast start can be converted into a strong grid position. If Racing Bulls can maintain the balance and pace shown in practice, Lawson will be well-placed to challenge for points in Sunday’s race.

The team’s progress and Lawson’s determination reflect the competitive energy running through the paddock at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a venue where McLaren and other top teams continuously work on improving their setups, as seen in recent race strategies including those highlighted in McLaren’s recent performances.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.