Double top 10 practice finishes for Lawson in unpredictable Malaysia

Liam Lawson proved he is one to watch this weekend at Malaysia's Sepang Formula 1 circuit, after finishing in the top 10 in both practice sessions. The Kiwi driver placed eighth in free practice one, then finished ninth in the second session. Following their <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/09/27/liam-lawson-taken-out-by-teammate-in-azerbaijan-grand-prix/">clash in Azerbaijan last weekend</a>, Lawson narrowly beat his Racing Bulls teammate Arvid Lindblad, who finished the practices in ninth and 11th on Friday night. The continued consistency for the Kiwi has raised hopes that he will stay in F1 for the 2027 season, with an announcement about his future <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/10/02/liam-lawson-anticipates-decision-on-f1-future-in-the-next-few-weeks/">expected to be made in the coming weeks</a>. Currently, Lawson is one of the four unconfirmed drivers for next year, with both Racing Bulls seats remaining unannounced. Rain was expected to hit the track on day one of the Malaysia leg of the F1 calendar, but fortunately for the drivers, none came.