Liam Lawson attempted to take the positives from a disappointing Racing Bulls return at the Japanese Grand Prix after finishing 17th while rookie team mate Isack Hadjar bagged points in P8.
Lawson replaced Yuki Tsunoda at Racing Bulls in Japan, after Red Bull elected to swap the pair, following a challenging opening two weekends of the season for the New Zealander.
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With the Racing Bulls car believed to have characteristics which make it more user friendly, it was hoped that Lawson would demonstrate some of the pace he had shown towards the end of 2024, which had earned him the initial Red Bull call up.
Although he escaped the first phase of Qualifying for the first time this year and outqualified Tsunoda – starting 13th on the grid – he fell back in the race after attempting to go longer than most on his first stint.
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