Formula 1: Lawson scores double top 10 finishes in Candian GP practice
Kiwi Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson will be aiming to break into the points at this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix, after an impressive double top 10 finish during Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2.
The Racing Bulls driver clocked a fastest lap time of 1:13.737s in FP1 - just 0.0544 off the lead from reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who set the fastest time of the session.
Lawson finished the session in P8, behind teammate Isack Hadjar who finished P6.
The Kiwi finished 10th during FP2- setting a fastest lap time of 1:12.751s on a set of soft tires. Mercedes driver George Russell went fastest in the session, with a fastest lap time of 1:12.123s.
A points scoring finish in Montreal is crucial for Lawson, after narrowly missing out on a top 10 finish during the last race at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya in Spain.
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A poorly timed safety car saw the Kiwi slip to 11th during the final laps of the race, denying him what would have been his second points finish of the season.
It will be a first-time racing at the Circuit de Gilles Villeneuve for both Lawson and Hadjar, with the track often absent from Formula 2 and Formula 3 calendars.
Lawson on track during FP1 in Montreal. (Source: Getty)
Verstappen walks a penalty tightrope
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen will want to keep his racing clean in Canada, otherwise he could face a one race ban.
The Dutch driver has racked up a total of 11 penalty points over a 12-month period- collecting three during the last race in Spain after a collision with Mercedes driver George Russell.
Earning one more penalty point this weekend would sit Verstappen on 12 penalty points - enough to result in a one race ban.
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Verstappen said he is not changing his approach heading into the race weekend, despite the fine penalty margin.
"I'm not here, of course, to try and get a ban," the Dutch driver said to reporters.
"Missing a race is not ideal. But it's not the end of the world."
Max Verstappen will hope to close the gap to McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the driver's standings. (Source: Getty)
If Verstappen were to miss a Grand Prix, Red Bull would likely grab Lawson or teammate Hadjar to fill in for one race, with Racing Bulls reserve driver Ayumu Iwasa taking the vacant seat in the junior team.
Verstappen has claimed victory in Montreal for the last three Grand Prix and will hope to finish ahead of current championship leaders McLaren in this weekend's race.
Having won all but two races in the 2025 season, the reigning constructer's champions have established themselves as the team to beat.
Oscar Piastri of McLaren currently leads the drivers' standings on 186 points, with teammate Lando Norris just 10 points behind.
Qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix will take place Sunday morning (8am NZT), with the race taking place Monday (6am NZT).
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