Liam Lawson Qualifies Eighth for F1 Dutch Grand Prix on Red Bull Return
News Context
At a glance
- Other than the power unit, it’s just the way the car turns into corners.
- Yeah, we changed quite a bit, and it actually didn’t make a difference.
Adapting to Red Bull Machinery at Zandvoort
Lawson admitted the transition back to Red Bull presented immediate challenges because the car handles significantly differently than the Racing Bulls machinery he has driven throughout 2025. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Lawson highlighted the steering feel and cockpit ergonomics as major adjustments.Other than the power unit, it’s just the way the car turns into corners. The steering is the most different. We have very different steering feels just in terms of how much we use, how much we lock the car. And for me, that’s been the biggest thing to get my head around this weekend.
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Qualifying Pressure and Verstappen’s Struggles
During the final Q3 session, approaching rain forced Red Bull to alter their strategy by abandoning the build laps Lawson had used earlier in qualifying and sending him straight into a push lap. Lawson noted he struggled with traction on the exit of Turn 1 because he had not previously run an out-and-push lap sequence during the session. He believed an even better starting position was possible before losing the front of his car at Turn 10. Meanwhile, four-times world champion Max Verstappen qualified seventh after continuing to struggle with the balance of his Red Bull, according to the sources. Verstappen stated that overnight setup changes made ahead of the session failed to improve the car’s balance from earlier practice and sprint sessions.Yeah, we changed quite a bit, and it actually didn’t make a difference. So the balance was pretty much the same as what I had all weekend. So it didn’t really allow me to push, or feel comfortable with the car. So that’s then the position that you’re in.
Grid Layout and Sprint Context
