Liam Lawson has made a strong start to the United States Grand Prix weekend, securing top-10 finishes in both Free Practice sessions at the Circuit of the Americas. The Racing Bulls driver, who has long regarded the Austin track as his favourite on the Formula 1 calendar, looks well placed after the opening day of running.
The result offers an early boost for the New Zealander as he continues to fight for his future on the grid.
### LAWSON FINDS FORM AT HIS FAVOURITE VENUE
Friday’s sessions at COTA delivered encouraging signs for Lawson and Racing Bulls. Consistent top-10 pace across FP1 and FP2 suggests the team’s latest upgrades are beginning to take effect, and that Lawson is comfortable extracting performance from the car around a circuit he knows well and enjoys driving.
Austin has often brought out the best in the Kiwi. His affinity for the layout — with its mix of high-speed sections, heavy braking zones and the demanding uphill run into Turn 1 — has previously translated into competitive showings. Repeating that form this weekend would strengthen his position both in the championship and in the ongoing conversation about 2027 seats.
### CONTEXT OF A CHALLENGING SEASON
Lawson’s 2026 campaign has been defined by inconsistency and external pressure. After earlier stints with Red Bull and a return to the sister team, he has spent much of the year delivering solid but rarely spectacular results alongside rookie team-mate Arvid Lindblad. Strong Fridays have not always carried through to qualifying or race day, making the conversion of practice pace particularly important this weekend.
Any improvement in the car’s balance and long-run performance will be closely monitored. With several seats still unresolved for next season, every competitive session carries extra weight.
### WHAT THE UPGRADES APPEAR TO HAVE DELIVERED
Racing Bulls have introduced updates aimed at improving stability and tyre management. Early indications from Austin suggest those changes are helping Lawson maintain rhythm across a full session rather than producing isolated quick laps. Cleaner runs through the stadium section and better traction out of the slower corners were noticeable features of his Friday programme.
Whether the gains remain once track temperatures rise and qualifying begins will be the next test. Practice form at COTA has sometimes proved temporary once the circuit evolves and grip levels change.
### LOOKING AHEAD TO QUALIFYING AND THE RACE
A top-10 starting position would represent a strong result for Lawson and give him a platform to score points on Sunday. Overtaking at the Circuit of the Americas is possible but not straightforward, particularly with the continuing debate over the severity of the bumps at Turn 1 and Turn 19. Track position will therefore remain valuable.
For Racing Bulls, a double-points finish remains the target as they fight to maximise their constructors’ position. Lawson’s Friday pace at least puts that objective within reach.
### A TIMELY BOOST FOR THE KIWI
In a season of limited highlights, a competitive weekend at a circuit he genuinely enjoys would provide Lawson with momentum at a crucial stage of the year. The driver market remains fluid, and consistent performances between now and Abu Dhabi will shape how he is assessed for 2027.
For one day at least, the upgrades appear to have worked and the car has given him something to build on. The challenge now is to turn Friday promise into Saturday and Sunday results. At his favourite track, Lawson will feel he has every chance of doing exactly that.
