Liam Lawson’s Quietly Impressive Start Deserves More Attention

17th May 2026 0 By Joe Briley

Liam Lawson’s start to the 2026 season has gone largely under the radar, but the New Zealander has already scored 10 points in the opening four rounds.

Feature image credit: Getty Images // Red Bull Content Pool

The talk around Racing Bulls ahead of 2026 has centred around the arrival of rookie driver Arvid Lindblad. The British driver arrived with significant expectations after progressing through Red Bull’s junior system, with many viewing him as one of the sport’s next breakthrough talents.

However, while the attention has been largely focused on the rookie, Lawson has quietly produced an impressive opening phase to the campaign. The New Zealander has established himself as the team’s leading driver early in the season, combining strong qualifying performances with a consistent points return.

It may not have generated headlines, but Lawson is starting to deserve more credit.

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Qualifying advantage

One of the clearest indicators of Lawson’s performances have come over a single lap. Qualifying can provide the best comparison between teammates as the cars are identical, fuel loads are controlled and external variables are reduced making it one of the best ways to judge raw pace.

Lawson has held the advantage over Lindblad during the opening rounds, leading the head-to-head battle 3-1 in qualifying.

The first round saw both drivers reach Q3 and Lawson showed his pace when it mattered in the final part of qualifying, placing eighth ahead of his teammate in ninth. Lawson was ahead of his Lindblad in both qualifying sessions at the Chinese Grand Prix but the latter did place ahead of the former at the Japanese Grand Prix with a special performance that saw him place higher than Max Verstappen.

Most recently in Miami, Lindblad had the edge in Sprint Qualifying, but Lawson responded with a strong Grand Prix qualifying session, missing out on Q3 by less than a tenth.

Experience beginning to show

Although Lawson entered 2026 with more F1 experience than his rookie teammate, his career path has not been straightforward.

Appearances in both 2023 and 2024, followed by movement between Red Bull and Racing Bulls during 2025, created the impression of an established driver despite just 39 race starts.

The early stages of the 2026 season has seen Lawson show a different side to his driving – consistency, control and leadership.

His weekend in China might be the best of his career to date and he’s finally showing what he can do when he’s given stability.

Lawson’s time in F1 has seen him adapting to changing circumstances. For the first time, he appears to be building momentum.

Miami GP marks key turning point in Franco Colapinto’s 2026 campaign

Building a platform for the future

Lawson’s position in F1 has rarely felt completely secure. Whether through reserve duties, short-term opportunities or constant discussion around Red Bull’s driver structure – much of his career has involved racing to prove he belongs.

The 2026 season feels different. Lawson is beginning to build a case as an established midfield driver capable of leading a team and while the sample size is small and the season has a long way to go, if Lawson continues to outperform his teammate and consistently be in the battle for points, conversations about his future may start to change.

The narrative could move away from whether he deserves a place on the grid to whether a big opportunity will come his way for 2027.

Lawson vs Lindblad

Qualifying H2H: Lawson 3-1 Lindblad

Sprint Qualifying H2H: Lawson 1-1 Lindblad

Race H2H: Lawson 2-2 Lindblad

Points: Lawson 10-4 Lindblad

Liam Lawson’s Quietly Impressive Start Deserves More Attention