Liam Lawson’s F1 points streak ends in Spa disaster: ‘We were just too slow’

Liam Lawson’s five-race points streak ends at Spa-Francorchamps

Liam Lawson’s relentless run of scoring finishes came to a halt at the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday, 27 July 2026, as the Racing Bulls driver finished 11th at Spa-Francorchamps. The 24-year-old New Zealander had claimed points in each of the previous five races, but a slow car and late-race pressure left him outside the top 10.

What happened in Belgium?

Lawson made a strong start from ninth on the grid, climbing to sixth amid the opening-lap chaos that eliminated George Russell and delayed several rivals. He briefly held the advantage over teammate Arvid Lindblad, but the Racing Bulls pair soon fell back as faster cars recovered. By Lap 10, Lando Norris had passed Lawson, who then pitted on Lap 16 and rejoined behind Lindblad. A brief gravel excursion during their duel into Les Combes didn’t stop Lawson, but Alpine’s Franco Colapinto later sliced past both him and Pierre Gasly on the Kemmel Straight, sealing Lawson’s fate.

Why it matters for Liam Lawson

The result marked Lawson’s lowest finish since the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in March, ending a streak that had kept him in the points since Melbourne. “We were just too slow overall,” Lawson admitted after the race. “But honestly after quali yesterday, I knew we weren’t as quick as we needed to be. And then, yeah, good start, but just fighting a losing battle through the race.”

Despite the setback, Lawson praised Lindblad’s progress with the upgraded Racing Bull. The Briton, who finished ninth, was the only driver to receive the full Belgian package and now boasts a five-race scoring streak of his own. “I mean it’s positive at least, one car is very quick,” Lawson said. “Hopefully that translates to us next week.”

What comes next for Lawson and Racing Bulls?

Lawson and the team head to the Hungaroring for the Hungarian Grand Prix on 3 August 2026, hopeful the Spa upgrades will carry over. Lindblad, meanwhile, is riding high after his ninth-place finish, crediting improved car comfort and a stronger rapport with his engineers. “Every weekend I’m getting more comfortable. More competitive,” he said. “Me and the engineers, we’re getting along really well.”

The pair’s on-track battles-first between themselves, then with Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto-added fireworks to an otherwise frustrating weekend. Lindblad admitted the Virtual Safety Car timing cost him a shot at Bortoleto, but still called the duel “fun.” For Lawson, the focus shifts to regrouping in Budapest after a rare off-weekend in the points.