Suzuka, April 4, 2025 – by GP Thread
Liam Lawson had a strong showing on Friday at the Japanese Grand Prix, finishing fifth in the second practice session and outpacing Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Back behind the wheel of a Racing Bulls car, the Kiwi was clearly impressed with the machinery.
“It was a really good day,” Lawson said in the paddock at Suzuka. “The car feels great – completely different from what I was driving before. It might not be what everyone expects, but this car operates in a much wider window. It’s been quick all season for a reason.”
The 23-year-old previously expressed frustration with Red Bull’s narrow performance window, where getting the setup just right was critical. Before his short-lived promotion to Red Bull earlier this year, Lawson had already contested eleven races with Racing Bulls, making his return feel like a homecoming.
Back Where It Feels Right
After being demoted by Red Bull just two race weekends into the season – following back-to-back last-place qualifying results – Lawson was sent back to familiar ground at Racing Bulls.
“I’ve spent a lot of time with this team, so everything feels very natural,” he said. “Everyone here is so incredibly positive. Laurent [Mekies, team principal] called me right after the driver switch and said exactly what I needed to hear at that moment.”
“There’s a really good vibe here. It feels like I’ve been welcomed back with open arms. Hopefully, we can give the fans plenty of exciting races this year.”
Lawson’s P5 finish in FP2 put him ahead of Verstappen, who ended the session in eighth place. Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda – now driving Lawson’s former Red Bull – finished 18th, although he didn’t set a time on the soft compound tires.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri topped the timing sheets after a chaotic session marked by crashes and red flags.