Liam Lawson believes his career-high sixth place at the Austrian Grand Prix can prove crucial to his hopes of having a strong season with the Racing Bulls.
The New Zealander opened this year at Red Bull, but was relegated after just two races and scored points in Monaco after returning to the Racing Bulls in April. Impressed by teammate Isack Hadjar, Lawson admits that he is exposed to an increase in scrutiny and proves his high level of trust is difficult to maintain amidst a lack of results before his strong return on Sunday.
“It’s certainly deep inside you,” Lawson told SiriusXM. “This year, I felt really confident and comfortable for me, but I know the outcome isn’t there.
“We’re all mentally strong. We all work very much in our way of thinking, but I’m very happy because, no matter what, these outcomes can make a difference when it’s such a tough year.”
Lawson individually said he feels that he doesn’t have all the different aspects for him over a particular race weekend that showed a strong pace earlier this season, and that he recognizes that he needs to capitalize more regularly.
“It’s been an incredibly tough year, it’s been a very tough year with so many possibilities. I entered Formula 1. There were a few races last year and most were converted very well. Sometimes you can get all the confidence and speed in the world.
“In Canada, there was really good speed and I think Barcelona was actually speeding up. Monaco also didn’t convert the results.
“We have pushed a lot on our side of cars, especially our garage.
“We obviously need to keep pushing, but in Formula 1, that’s what happens. Sometimes speed and everything is there, but there are a lot of variables in this sport and we worked for us this weekend.”
