- Liam Lawson secured his fifth consecutive points finish at São Paulo, inheriting seventh following a penalty for Charles Leclerc.
- Lawson briefly challenged the frontrunners from third on the grid before Racing Bulls’ lack of outright pace compromised his podium hopes.
- The New Zealander’s consistent performances continue to strengthen his case for a 2027 Racing Bulls seat amid ongoing uncertainty.
Liam Lawson has continued his impressive run of form with a fifth consecutive points finish at the São Paulo Grand Prix, benefiting from a post-race penalty for Charles Leclerc to secure seventh following a frustrating afternoon at Interlagos.
Starting from a career-best equalling third on the grid, the Racing Bulls driver made a blistering getaway in treacherous conditions, dispatching Lando Norris into the opening corner to climb into second behind race leader Kimi Antonelli.
However, the New Zealander’s aspirations of a maiden podium gradually unravelled as the circuit dried, with Norris reclaiming second on Lap 6 before Isack Hadjar and George Russell also found a way past.
Despite briefly mixing it with Formula 1’s frontrunners, Lawson conceded that Racing Bulls simply lacked the outright performance to sustain the challenge.
“I think there was points in the race we were fighting the front guys, but when it dries up and everyone’s pace stabilises, we don’t really have the speed to fight them,” Lawson told Sky Sports F1.
“I tried at many points to stay as high up the order as I could, but unfortunately we just dropped down towards the end.”
Leclerc penalty reverses late battle
As rain returned during the closing stages, Lawson became embroiled in a fierce battle with Leclerc for seventh.
The pair made contact at Turn 12 on the penultimate lap, with the Ferrari striking Lawson’s left-rear wheel before completing the overtake several corners later.
Although Leclerc crossed the line ahead, the stewards deemed that the contact had provided an advantage, handing the Monegasque a five-second penalty.
“While we acknowledge that the contact was minor, having examined the fight on track between the two cars, we conclude that Car 16 was able to get closer to and thereafter overtake Car 30 because of the contact,” the stewards explained.
The decision elevated Lawson to seventh, earning him two additional championship points.
It also extended his points-scoring streak to five races, strengthening his case for retention at Racing Bulls amid continued uncertainty surrounding his 2027 future.
Teammate Arvid Lindblad narrowly missed out on the points in 11th, having struggled with drivability following a late switch to intermediate tyres.
“Was just trying to keep the car on track. It was very difficult to drive,” Lindblad admitted.
For Lawson, the result reinforced his growing consistency, even if the opportunity to challenge Formula 1’s established frontrunners ultimately proved fleeting.
With three rounds remaining, the Kiwi continues to deliver precisely the performances required to make his case for another season on the grid.
