Liam Lawson reveals Abu Dhabi plan as Racing Bulls secure major achievement

Liam Lawson has revealed that his plan for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was to try and keep ahead of both Aston Martin drivers, in Racing Bulls' pursuit of sixth in the standings. 

Lawson endured a difficult final race of the season and received a five-second time penalty for erratic driving, whilst he also had a point added to his super license. 

He fought with Lance Stroll in the opening stages but was unable to keep up, with Racing Bull's pace having not been the strongest in the midfield at the Yas Marina Circuit. 

In the end, Lawson finished in 18th; however, Racing Bulls clinched sixth in the constructors' championship by three points.

"Yeah, just a tough race," Lawson told select media including RacingNews365. "We didn't really have the speed, and we also didn't have a very good strategy. 

"Just more focused on just trying to optimise P6, trying to save P6 in the constructors' and trying to keep the Astons behind. 

"So we spent the first part of the race with Stroll, and then in the end, we weren't fast enough anyway, so tough race. Yeah, that's it honestly."

In finishing sixth, Red Bull's sister team matched its best result in the standings, having also finished sixth in 2008, 2019 and 2021. 

It is an achievement Lawson is proud of, with it having been Racing Bulls' goal in the closing rounds. 

Addressing the team securing sixth, Lawson said: "Yeah, it's a great result for the team. It's what we set out to do the last part of this year. So, very, very happy."