New Zealand F1 driver Liam Lawson. Photo: MPS AGENCY / PHOTOSPORT
One good result won't count for much if Liam Lawson can't back it up in the coming weeks.
That is the feeling of New Zealand motorsport expert Bob McMurray following Lawson's best result in Formula 1.
Lawson finished sixth in the Austrian Grand Prix on Monday after qualifying sixth, completing a highly successful weekend for the 23-year-old.
"One track, one race, does not point to a whole new future," McMurray told RNZ.
Following his demotion from Red Bull after just two races at the start of the season, Lawson has now settled into Racing Bulls and picked up his first points in Monaco a month ago.
McMurray is a big supporter of Lawson and while happy for his result, he is remaining circumspect that he may have turned a corner in his season.
"Don't get me wrong, coming sixth is a whole lot better than coming 16th.
"He says he is now comfortable in that car - the proof will be the next race."
McMurray said it was also significant that Lawson finished well ahead of his team-mate Isack Hadjar who has dominated the team results this season.
"Liam needed to do this to keep his seat, I believe he couldn't continue going through the rest of the year being beaten by his less experienced team-mate," McMurray said.
McMurray, who used to work for McLaren F1, said the whole weekend was significant for Lawson as he was quick in practice, qualifying and the race, and pointed out that there was no luck in his sixth place finish.
Liam Lawson during the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix. Photo: ALBERTO VIMERCATI / PHOTOSPORT
However he remains cautious that this is a turning point for Lawson.
"Don't take it in isolation that this is the second coming of Liam Lawson - this is the first step hopefully in an uprising in his results."
McMurray said give him three or more races from here and see how it pans out.
"Maybe a good result at Silverstone may indicate a turning point."
So what does this mean for Lawson's future in Formula 1?
"He's making a mark to stay in the [Racing Bulls] for another season, and that's a good thing."
McMurray also pointed out that Red Bull has a problem with having drivers in the wrong seats.
"I feel a certain amount of sympathy for Yuki Tsunodo (in the second Red Bull car), but by the same token he probably should have got more of a handle on it by now.
"I can't see him staying there next year, but then you look at the void that he leaves and who is going to take that seat on. The logical one is Hadjar, but as I said about Liam last year... do not do it."
McMurray also had some advice for Red Bull, with 17-year-old Arvid Lindblad getting a practice this weekend at Silverstone: "Do not rush him through".
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