Liam Lawson Sees Promise as Two Cars Reach Q3 in Melbourne

Saturday at 11: 00 a. m. ET, liam lawson conceded he was stunned after both Racing Bulls cars reached Q3 in Australian Grand Prix qualifying, securing eighth and ninth on the grid. The result matters now because wing, floor and cooling upgrades introduced this weekend and improved power unit reliability produced an unexpectedly strong showing.

Testing in Bahrain in February had suggested the team was off the pace, but the upgrades fitted for Melbourne changed that equation; those changes were fitted this weekend and delivered the team into the top-10 shoot-out on merit.

Liam Lawson on the shock result and the caveat of reliability

Lawson called the qualifying performance “definitely what we were shooting for” while also warning that the race outcome will hinge on mechanical dependability. He described the goal as trying to hold position through the race, but said long-run pace and the biggest factor will be having a reliable car.

Red Bull Powertrains and the Racing Bulls upgrades that arrived in Melbourne

Racing Bulls brought a package this weekend that included a new floor, engine cover, cooling louvres and a rear corner; the floor and engine cover were intended to add downforce and improve aerodynamics. The power unit performance has also been a notable strength, with the engine described as the first to be developed by Red Bull Powertrains in partnership with Ford.

Australian Grand Prix qualifying places eighth and ninth set expectations for the race

By reaching Q3 on merit and starting eighth and ninth, Racing Bulls have set themselves up to target a reasonable points haul in the race if the cars remain reliable. Lawson emphasized that the team had shown solid long-run pace during pre-race work, yet said reliability is the key unknown to resolve between qualifying and the finish.

For now, the immediate test is whether the upgraded components and the power unit continue to perform under race conditions; Lawson noted the team has enjoyed a strong pre-season on reliability so far, but added that the real measure will come during race laps.

The confirmed next milestone is the Australian Grand Prix race on Sunday at 4: 00 p. m. ET. If the Racing Bulls maintain reliability through the race, they are expected to convert their Q3 positions into points by the checkered flag.