Words: Andrew Sluys
Published 27 July 2026
Liam Lawson has once again finished in the points with a stellar performance during a drama-filled Hungarian Grand Prix.
Finishing in eighth-place, Lawson managed to climb from his qualifying position of eleventh throughout the race.
The Kiwi driver managed to jump three positions from the launch, but faster cars pushed him down the order as the race progressed.
A two-stop strategy meant Lawson had fresher tyres than his teammate Lindblad for the final stint, making an overtake and securing his position.
Lindblad finished in tenth-place behind Hulkenberg, making for a double points outing in the Racing Bulls.
“It was a good race for us today. The first corner and lap one was obviously very important for me given I had a challenging Qualifying yesterday,” Lawson said.
“Following a strong start, we knew we had a long race ahead, but the car just felt super strong throughout.
“A huge thanks to the team who made the right call on the two-stop strategy. To have two cars in the points is a great way to round off the first half of the season.”
This finish in Budapest puts Lawson on 43 points in the Driver’s Championship, one point ahead of rival Pierre Gasly.
This tally makes Liam the third most successful New Zealand Formula 1 driver in history points-wise.
With 87 total points throughout his career, he has now eclipsed Chris Amon’s 83. Bruce McLaren’s 196.5 and Denny Hulme’s 248 are still a while away.
“To be heading into summer break fifth in the Constructors’ Championship is a reflection of all the hard work the team has put in so far this year,” Lawson said.
“While I’m looking forward to recharging over the next few weeks, I’m excited to carry this momentum forward into Zandvoort.”
Further to the front of the grid, Lando Norris secured the win, whilst Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli rounded out the podium.
