On the opening lap, Liam Lawson surged from his 11th-place grid position all the way to fourth after a bold decision by Racing Bulls to start on intermediate tyres in wet conditions. By the first corner, the New Zealander was already alongside eventual race winner Max Verstappen in a direct fight for third place. "I had one of the best starts I’ve ever had in my career, and that put us in a great position for the rest of the race," Lawson said following the event.
This result marks Lawson’s 11th points finish of the 2026 season and provides a significant boost for Racing Bulls in their competitive battle against Alpine. Although Lawson gradually slipped back as faster cars navigated the field and track conditions shifted, the late-race retirement of George Russell and other incidents allowed the Kiwi to reclaim valuable positions. According to 1News, this strategy of capitalising on difficult track conditions has been a decisive factor in outscoring their rivals over the last two race weekends.
The race at the Sepang International Circuit proved chaotic, featuring safety cars, a nearly two-hour delay, and constant reshuffling of the pack. Lawson admitted he initially felt he deserved more than a ninth-place trajectory before luck in the final stages elevated him to seventh. He successfully defended his position through the closing laps despite persistent pressure from the McLaren drivers, ultimately crossing the line to collect another six championship points. With the season now entering its final stretch, Lawson’s ability to maximize points in unpredictable weather remains a key strength for the team as they look toward the remaining seven races.