Words: Andrew Sluys
Published 20 July 2026
Liam Lawson’s streak of scoring points at consecutive Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends has come to an end with a P12 finish in Belgium.
Starting from ninth on the grid due to grid penalties for other drivers, Lawson was unable to hold position through the race at Spa-Francorchamps.
“Every single wheel-to-wheel combat I had today, I lost down the straights,” Lawson said over the radio after the race.
“I don’t know what else I was meant to do.”
Fellow Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad managed to snag a ninth-position finish, following a controversial overtake that saw Lawson forced off track.
Part of Lawson’s result could be put down to the fact he missed out on the significant Racing Bulls upgrade that Lindblad’s car received ahead of the race.
According to the team, the driver who qualified higher at the British Grand Prix earlier this year would receive the upgrade.
“We were just too slow overall. So it’s frustrating,” Lawson said after the race.
“But honestly after quali yesterday, I knew we weren’t as quick as we needed to be. And then, yeah, good start, but just fighting a losing battle through the race.
“I mean it’s positive at least, one car is very quick. So hopefully that translates to us next week. But we’ll find out.
“Obviously it’s a very different track in Budapest, but I’m definitely excited to get out of here and over to there.”
Following the race, Liam sits in 10th position in the driver’s championship, with 39 points. He’s 3 points behind Gasly, who also missed out on points this weekend.
Further towards the front of the pack, Kimi Antonelli claimed victory, with Charles Leclerc finishing second, and Max Verstappen coming home third.
