Liam Lawson secures ninth on grid for US Grand Prix

Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson will start ninth for the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. Despite advancing to the final Q3 qualifying session, Lawson remained in the garage to save fresh tyres for Sunday's race.

The team's tactical decision was influenced by a five-place grid penalty for Lawson's teammate, Arvid Lindblad, due to a power unit change. Racing Bulls determined that since Lindblad would drop further down the order regardless, saving tyres for both drivers was the most strategic move for the race.

Lawson expressed frustration with the decision, noting that he had personally requested to participate in the final shootout. He stated, “I asked to go out, honestly. I said, ‘I want to go and do it,’ and they said no,” adding that while the decision was logical for the team, it was difficult for a driver during a strong weekend.