Lawson targets 'total reset' at Red Bull despite looming Chinese GP hurdle

Liam Lawson is aiming for a complete "reset" at the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix, having struggled through a disappointing first weekend with Red Bull in Melbourne.

The 23-year-old was well off the pace of team-mate Max Verstappen on the first day at Albert Park, before an air intake issue ruined his third and final practice session.

A dismal qualifying session followed, in which the New Zealander failed to make it past Q1 following multiple mistakes.

After Lawson crashed out of the Australian Grand Prix itself, although not entirely his fault, Martin Brundle highlighted Red Bull's tendency to rid itself of underperforming drivers.

Afforded the benefit of heading straight into the next round, Lawson is relishing the opportunity to show what he and his RB21 can do.

"I am excited to be racing again this weekend, it was a very tough first weekend in the car for me and I am not sure I have been looking forward to getting into a car so much for a very long time," he stated.

"I just want to totally reset coming into this weekend and show what we are capable of."

Part of what left Lawson on the "back foot", as Christian Horner put it, was having never raced at Albert Park before. He was the only driver in the field with no experience there.

Whilst he will not be alone in that reality at the Shanghai International Circuit, it is another track that the Red Bull driver will be acclimatising to. However, he feels his extensive simulator running will hold him in better stead.

"It is a new track for me but at the same time we have been doing a lot of sim work and focused on the preparation extensively for China," he said.

"It’s a track that looks quite cool to drive, I have watched it growing up and I think it’s an exciting it is back on the calendar, and I am looking forward to getting out there."

'Tricky' situation facing Lawson in China

By his own admission, the Chinese Grand Prix being a sprint weekend makes things "tricky" for Lawson, given how quickly he must get up to speed, something he failed to do in Melbourne.

"The sprint format makes things tricky as we get so little practice, but we will work to ensure we are up to speed and make the most of the time we have in FP1 to get dialled in," he explained.

"I know the team has been working extremely hard and we all want to go into China ready to compete. The pace felt like it was there last weekend, and Max showed we are heading in the right direction with the set-up of the car.

"Last weekend has only made me hungrier to go out there in Shanghai and give it my all."