Liam Lawson explains 'salvage' operation after 180 F1 career-turnaround

Liam Lawson has expressed relief at his dramatic turnaround from a year ago when his F1 career appeared in limbo.

At the end of the 2024 season, following a six-race cameo with VCARB after replacing Daniel Ricciardo, Lawson was handed his dream opportunity with Red Bull for 2025 after the team opted to release Sergio Perez.

But Lawson's dream turned into a nightmare as he was axed by Red Bull after the opening two races in Australia and China, and demoted to the 'sister' team for a third stint.

After doing enough to prove his worth over the campaign and retain his seat for this season, the same opening two races of this campaign have been vastly different for the New Zealander.

Although missing out on a result at Melbourne's Albert Park, with 13th, Lawson performed strongly at the Shanghai International Circuit, finishing seventh, one place ahead of former team-mate Isack Hadjar in his Red Bull.

Asked by RacingNews365 as to how gratifying the last two rounds have been and the 180-performance after what occurred last year, speaking to the media, Lawson said: "Yeah, it's been good.

"In Melbourne, we were quite quick, but we definitely weren't quick [in China], so we've salvaged a great result out of pretty average weekends on pace.

"Going forward, once we find some speed, I think we should be in a great position."

What was impressive from Lawson and Racing Bulls was the way in which they hauled themselves into a strong finishing position after qualifying 14th.

The likes of McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri failed to start, whilst Max Verstappen retired in his Red Bull, but Lawson still performed when it mattered.

"Over a race weekend, even if you have a quick car, there's a lot you have to do strategy-wise, also race pace-wise, to make sure you look after the tyres and have a car that's good over the race," said Lawson.

"For the speed we had, we absolutely maximised the package, and that's a good result. Full credit to the team, obviously, for the hard work.

"I'm sure it motivates everybody, because we know once we do find that pace, we will be in an even better position."