Liam Lawson has secured his best-ever Formula 1 qualifying result, storming into sixth on the grid for the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix after a stellar performance through all three qualifying segments at the Red Bull Ring.
The Kiwi star showed confidence and pace throughout the session, progressing cleanly through Q1 and Q2 before delivering a composed final lap in Q3 to out-qualify reigning world champion Max Verstappen on home soil.
Q1: Strong Start in a Tightly Contested Field
The opening qualifying segment saw intense competition, with just nine-tenths of a second covering the entire 20-car field. Lawson began with a conservative banker lap that had him sitting ninth early on before ramping up his pace as the session progressed.
With just minutes remaining, the Racing Bulls driver vaulted up the order to a remarkable P3 behind McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, pushing Verstappen and other heavy hitters further down the timesheet. His final time ensured a safe passage into Q2, as big names like Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso were shock eliminations.
Top 5 in Q1: Norris, Piastri, Lawson, Gasly, Hadjar
Eliminated: Stroll, Ocon, Tsunoda, Sainz, Hulkenberg
Q2: Commanding Early Lap Before Grass Fire Pause
Lawson opened Q2 with intent, clocking a 1:05.248 on his first flying lap—more than three-tenths quicker than teammate Isack Hadjar and briefly fastest overall. As frontrunners improved, he eventually slotted into sixth before a grass-fire trackside halted the session.
After a brief red flag delay, Lawson chose not to push on a final lap attempt, confident in his earlier time. The call proved correct, as he held onto ninth place and advanced into Q3 for just the second time in his F1 career.
Top 5 in Q2: Norris, Piastri, Leclerc, Verstappen, Bortoleto
Eliminated: Alonso, Albon, Hadjar, Colapinto, Bearman
Q3: Cool-Headed Final Lap Seals P6
The final segment saw Lawson abort his first run and head back to the pits. As others scrambled to improve once they headed back out on fresh tyres, including a visibly pressured Verstappen, Lawson delivered a clean, tidy lap under pressure to go sixth fastest, 0.658 seconds off pole-sitter Norris.
With Verstappen and other drivers failing to complete a final lap amid a yellow flag caused by Gasly spinning on track, Lawson capitalised, placing ahead of the Red Bull driver and securing his place on the third row of the grid.
Q3 Top 10:
- Norris – 1:03.971
- Leclerc +0.521
- Piastri +0.583
- Hamilton +0.611
- Russell +0.792
- Lawson +0.955
- Verstappen +0.958
- Bortoleto +1.161
- Antonelli +1.305
- Gasly +1.678
The result marks a major milestone in Lawson’s career, representing his highest-ever starting position in Formula 1 and further cementing his growth and maturity as a top-tier driver.
With overtaking opportunities available and race pace often proving more critical at the Red Bull Ring, the 23-year-old is well-positioned to chase a strong result in Sunday’s Grand Prix.
The Austrian Grand Prix begins at 1:00am NZT on Monday morning.
Header Image: Philip Platzer via Red Bull Content Pool
Being a Pukekohe resident since 1968 and a motor racing fan since 1972 this result marks a very special moment in NZ motorsport. I’m sure Bruce Mclaren, Denny Hulme and Chris Amon would be extremely proud. Well done Liam and may it continue!