Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs Red Bull Racing Formula One driver Liam Lawson secured the 20th spot in the Chinese Grand Prix qualifying and will thus start last in the race at the Shanghai International Circuit. Lawson admitted that he does not have much time to adapt to the car and he must soon prove his racing prowess.Lawson was selected for the Red Bull seat following the 2024 season after being assessed alongside Racing Bulls driver Yuki Tsunoda. He replaced Sergio Perez at Red Bull, who was ousted for underperformance.The Kiwi driver’s qualifying performance stood in stark contrast to his teammate Max Verstappen, who secured fourth on the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix. Lawson also started last in the Chinese GP sprint race but recovered to finish 14th. However, he admitted that the race result was far from satisfactory, especially since he is driving a Red Bull. He told the media after qualifying:
Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Oracle Red Bull Racing speaks in the media pen during practice/Sprint qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on March 21, 2025 in…
Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Oracle Red Bull Racing speaks in the media pen during practice/Sprint qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on March 21, 2025 in Shanghai, China.
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“You know, it’s great that we’re moving forward, but I’m in a Red Bull, you know, so finishing 14th, it’s not really acceptable, and obviously I try and move further forward tomorrow, but right now this is more of a priority.”Addressing the RB21 characteristic that is preventing him from setting faster lap times, Lawson said:”It’s just a small window and yeah, it’s just, it’s hard, it’s hard to drive. It’s hard to get it in that window, and I’d love to say that with time, obviously, that’ll come.”He continued:”Car characteristics, the way that the way the car drives, but obviously if Max is able to drive it, then, I should be able to get on top of it as well.”However, the 23-year-old driver stated that he does not have much time on hand and thus, he needs to get performing instantly. He added:”I just don’t really have time to do that. So it’s just something I need to, I need to get on top of.”When he was asked if the single practice session, instead of three sessions in a non-sprint race weekend, made the situation more complicated, Lawson said:”It does. It all makes it harder, but it shouldn’t be, the difference, you know, between qualifying where I have.”Verstappen admitted that the RB21 has been lacking pace, but his P4 finish suggests the car is still capable of being in the top ten. As a result, Red Bull will likely monitor Lawson’s performance and push him to finish in the point-scoring window.2025 Chinese Grand Prix Starting Grid1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)2. George Russell (Mercedes)3. Lando Norris (McLaren)4. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)5. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)7. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)8. Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)9. Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls)10. Alex Albon (Williams)11. Esteban Ocon (Haas)12. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)13. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)14. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)15. Carlos Sainz (Williams)16. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)17. Oliver Bearman (Haas)18. Jack Doohan (Alpine)19. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)20. Liam Lawson (Red Bull)
