Lawson pinpoints reason behind SQ1 exit in China

Liam Lawson has stated that being unable to cool his tyres between efforts in the first phase of Sprint Qualifying was to blame for him setting the slowest time on Friday.

Following a poor Qualifying and retirement during the season-opening weekend in Australia, Lawson was unable to put things right in China as he struggled once again to get to grips with the Red Bull RB21.

While team mate Max Verstappen went on to qualify second to Lewis Hamilton, the New Zealander was cut adrift at the foot of the timings, ending the session 0.558s from safety – a position secured by Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar.

“Mate, I’m really sorry,” the Red Bull newcomer said over the radio as he immediately apologised to his engineer, with a P20 start on the grid to come for Saturday's Sprint.

SHANGHAI, CHINA - MARCH 21: Liam Lawson of New Zealand driving the (30) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 — Lawson had a disappointing early exit during SQ1 in China

“Just the second lap, I went off,” Lawson explained after his early SQ1 elimination. “It’s obviously a shame.

“I think from a starting point it wasn’t too bad, the first lap was alright, and then we were just looking to build on there. But we stayed out to try to cool the tyres on track, and to be honest I really struggled to get the temps down starting the second lap.

“Basically we started too hot and then through the lap I just struggled. It’s frustrating.”

He added: “It’s obviously small things. It’s really a shame because I think honestly, we started okay in Quali.

Sprint Qualifying Highlights: 2025 Chinese Grand Prix

"The first lap wasn’t amazing but it was relatively okay, so it’s just a shame to be out for something so sort of… yeah, frustrating.”

In the weekend’s sole Free Practice session, Lawson was only 18th, although Verstappen – who had bailed out of a lap that appeared set to move him up the order – was 16th.

All of this means Lawson faces a hefty task ahead if he is to gain any points in Saturday's Sprint, while he will also want a quick change in fortunes with Qualifying for the Grand Prix following soon afterwards.