Lawson credits Racing Bulls upgrades for midfield lead

Liam Lawson has told Motorsport Week that Racing Bulls' early-season upgrades package was a major 'green flag' in the Formula 1 midfield battle. The Kiwi is in his first full season with the Faenza-based squad, and he and rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad have both benefitted from the VCARB 03, which has finished in the top 10 in all but two Grands Prix this season between them.

Racing Bulls has become the most consistent team in the midfield as the season has progressed, and ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix it led that group, 39 points ahead of its nearest rival. Lawson said he had always believed the team could do a good job, but that the first few upgrades delivering as expected confirmed everything was working.

He also noted that upgrades can add downforce while upsetting the car's balance, something he felt the team had handled very well this year.