Kiwi ‘best of the rest’

Liam Lawson is feeling “very happy” after finishing among the points in the Singapore Grand Prix and the weekend’s sprint race.

The New Zealander finished fifth in the Formula 1 sprint contest and followed it up with seventh place and six points in the main event on the Marina Bay Street Circuit on October 12.

He is now ninth in the drivers’ standings on 75 points, while his Visa Cash App Racing Bulls team strengthened their hold on fifth place in the championship and extended their lead over rivals Alpine to 32 points.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen enjoyed double success after winning the sprint race and grand prix, moving him up to fourth on the drivers’ ladder.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was second in today’s race and championship leader Kimi Antonelli finished third for Mercedes.

Lawson, who qualified ninth for the grand prix, started well on soft tyres and was able to hold off his midfield rivals all race long to be the “best of the rest” at the chequered flag.

“I’m very happy with today’s result. I had a strong start on the soft tyres, making it possible to overtake,” explains Lawson, pictured.

“This was then followed by good pace throughout the race, so it felt great to come away with six points. 

“I feel very proud of the team and, overall, it’s been a positive few weeks as we continue our fight for P5 in the championship. 

“Next week, I’ll be focusing on training in the simulator before we head to Austin for the first race of the upcoming triple header. I’m really excited to continue this form into the rest of the season.”

The next Formula 1 round is the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on October 24-26.