Liam Lawson posts eighth in Barcelona qualifying but suffers electrical glitch in practice

New‑Zealand driver Liam Lawson impressed in Barcelona qualifying, securing eighth place on the grid and saying he was "happy" after a difficult day. The Racing Bulls team praised the car's early pace, noting strong sector times and promising upgrades tested on the high‑speed circuit.

During Friday’s free‑practice 2, Lawson’s VCARB 03 suffered a small electrical fault that forced the gearbox to shut down after only four laps. The team repaired the issue within minutes, allowing Lawson to finish the session in 13th place with a best lap of 1:16.967. Lawson described the failure on team radio as an "Engine Stop" and expressed relief that the problem occurred before the race rather than during it.

Team principal Alan Permane highlighted the car’s good balance and tyre‑wear challenges, emphasizing that the early performance bodes well for the remainder of the weekend.