Liam Lawson endured a catastrophic weekend at the Singapore Grand Prix, facing two separate crashes that left his performance in ruins. The New Zealand driver’s struggles unfolded across practice sessions and the race itself, marking a significant low point in his career and raising concerns about his future in Formula 1.
Practice Sessions Marred by Multiple Crashes
Lawson’s difficulties began during Free Practice 2 on Friday when he narrowly clipped the wall at Turn 17, causing considerable damage to his car and forcing a rush to repair it before the next session. His troubles continued in Free Practice 3 at Turn 7, where he lost control once again and inflicted further harm on his vehicle just ahead of qualifying. Despite these incidents, Lawson qualified 12th but slipped to 15th by the race’s end, struggling to maintain competitive pace amid the setbacks.
Uncertainty Clouds Lawson’s Future with Racing Bulls
The repercussions of this turbulent weekend have cast doubt over Lawson’s position for the coming 2026 season. Rising talents such as Arvid Lindblad, Yuki Tsunoda, and Alex Dunne are reportedly in the running to claim the Racing Bulls seat. Meanwhile, his teammate Isack Hadjar is rumored to be a strong candidate for promotion to the main Red Bull team, increasing the pressure on Lawson to prove his worth.
Lack of Response from Helmut Marko Raises Tensions
Adding to the difficulty of the situation, Lawson revealed a surprising silence from Helmut Marko, the influential motorsport advisor known for his strict evaluations. When asked by AutoGear about any communication following the crashes, Lawson’s blunt reply was simply, No.
Asked about lessons learned during the difficult weekend at Marina Bay, Lawson’s dry humor emerged as he remarked, Don’t crash. This grim takeaway highlights the unforgiving nature of Formula 1, where even minor errors can result in serious consequences.
Eyes Turn to Austin as Lawson Seeks Redemption
Despite the setbacks, Lawson remains hopeful heading into the United States Grand Prix at Austin. He expressed confidence in his team’s performance potential there, stating,
I’m sure we should have a good package in Austin, it’s a track I enjoy.
His eagerness to move past the Singapore destruction was evident in his words:
I’m very, very excited to just get out of here and go straight to Austin.
With intense pressure mounting and competition intensifying, all attention will be focused on whether Lawson can rebound from this dramatic Singapore GP meltdown. The outcome could define his trajectory within the sport, making the next races a pivotal test of resilience and skill.
