Liam Lawson revealed that his decisive move at the start of the Singapore Grand Prix was planned before the lights went out, after noticing that Pierre Gasly would begin Sunday’s race (11 October) on medium tyres while Racing Bulls had selected the softer compound.
The New Zealander started eighth at Marina Bay and overtook the Alpine driver into Turn 1, gaining the track position that helped him finish seventh. It was his second consecutive seventh-place Grand Prix result after Sepang and another important points finish during a period of uncertainty over his Formula 1 future.
Lawson told Sky Sports F1 that beating Gasly into the first corner had been his main objective. The Racing Bulls driver knew that overtaking opportunities would become limited once the field settled into its rhythm around the Singapore street circuit.
“We started on the softs. Once we pulled the blankets off, and I saw he was on a medium, I knew it was game on in Turn 1,” Lawson said. “It’s pretty much all I’ve been thinking about today is getting the start and trying to get him in Turn 1. Because it’s very much a track position race here.”
The approach followed another outstanding opening lap at Sepang, where Lawson gained seven positions. His ability to capitalise on the opening metres has become an important factor in Racing Bulls’ recent results, particularly at circuits where overtaking is difficult.
Soft-tyre gamble pays off as Racing Bulls shows strong race pace
Lawson’s decision to start on soft tyres carried a potential disadvantage later in the race. Although the compound offered greater initial grip, the New Zealander knew that managing degradation would be important before switching to mediums for the final stint.
However, the Racing Bulls proved more competitive than he initially expected, allowing Lawson to maintain his position without suffering the drop in performance he had feared.
“I think the soft was pretty strong today,” he explained. “The first stint I was a little bit concerned, because it almost felt too strong, and I knew that I would end the race ultimately on a medium. But on both compounds the car was very good.”
The seventh-place finish earned Lawson 6 points in the Grand Prix, adding to the 4 he collected by finishing fifth in Saturday’s sprint. His 10-point Singapore weekend lifted him to 75 points in the Drivers’ Championship, consolidating ninth place.
Racing Bulls also scored through Isack Hadjar’s 10th-place finish for Red Bull’s senior team, while Lawson’s regular teammate Arvid Lindblad finished outside the points. The result helped Racing Bulls maintain fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Lawson’s recent performances are particularly significant because they have come on circuits with different characteristics. Baku, Sepang and Singapore have demanded different compromises in setup, tyre management and race execution, yet Racing Bulls has continued to fight near the front of the midfield.
Lawson calls recent triple-header Racing Bulls’ strongest of 2026
The New Zealander believes the recent sequence of races reflects a broader improvement in the team’s competitiveness rather than a series of isolated results.
“Ultimately I think it’s just been a very good year overall,” Lawson said. “I think looking at this triple header, it’s probably the strongest we’ve been this season. Personally for me as well.”
Lawson acknowledged that he had missed an opportunity to score at every race during the three-event sequence, but emphasised that Racing Bulls had maintained its competitiveness throughout.
“We really should have scored in all three races, but as a team we’ve been able to do that and I think that shows that we’re in a good place. But personally I feel very good.”
His comments underline the confidence gained from a season in which Lawson has established himself as one of the leading midfield drivers, scoring consistently and contributing to Racing Bulls’ position ahead of Alpine, Haas and Audi.
The result also provides another example of his progress since returning to Racing Bulls after a temporary spell with Red Bull earlier in the season. Lawson scored 14 points during three appearances with the senior team while Hadjar recovered from a wrist injury, before resuming his regular role alongside Lindblad.
Singapore result strengthens Lawson’s case for 2027
Lawson’s performance comes as Racing Bulls approaches a decision on its 2027 driver line-up. Despite his consistent results, the 24-year-old has not yet been confirmed for next season.
The team faces a choice between retaining its current pairing of Lawson and Lindblad or promoting Formula 2 contender Nikola Tsolov, who has emerged as another candidate within Red Bull’s junior programme.
As GRANDE PRÊMIO previously examined, Lawson’s performances have strengthened his case for remaining in Formula 1. His results include regular points finishes, a successful temporary return to Red Bull and a growing advantage over his Racing Bulls teammate in the Drivers’ Championship.
The latest Singapore result adds to that evidence. Lawson not only delivered another points finish but also demonstrated how preparation, tyre choice and execution at the start can compensate for the limited overtaking opportunities of a street circuit.
Nevertheless, Racing Bulls’ decision involves more than the immediate championship standings. Lindblad remains an important part of Red Bull’s development programme, while Tsolov’s progress in Formula 2 has created another potential option.
The competition between Lawson, Lindblad and Tsolov for the two Racing Bulls seats is expected to be resolved in the coming weeks, with the team yet to announce its final decision.
Formula 1 returns for the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on October 23–25. GRANDE PRÊMIO continues its Formula 1 coverage as Lawson aims to maintain his momentum during the final stages of the season.
