Lawson to start eighth for Singapore GP after strong sprint result
Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson qualified eighth for the Singapore Grand Prix after a strong performance in the sprint race. Despite a challenging Q3 session, Lawson remains optimistic about his prospects for the upcoming race.
Why it matters
Lawson's performance is critical for his career trajectory in Formula 1 as he competes for a permanent seat in a highly competitive racing environment.
<p>Kiwi F1 driver Liam Lawson will start eighth in tomorrow's Singapore Grand Prix after another strong qualifying performance, following a fifth-place finish in the earlier sprint race.</p> <p><a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/10/09/sick-track-lawson-primed-for-singapore-gp-after-solid-malaysia-drive/" target="_blank">The Racing Bulls driver </a>advanced to the final stage of qualifying (Q3) and clocked a fastest lap time of 1m 32.369s around the Marina Bay Street Circuit. </p> <p>Lawson initially went ninth-fastest during Q3 but was promoted to eighth after Mercedes' George Russell received a hefty 40-place grid penalty for an engine change. </p> <p>"It wasn't a great lap. I pushed a bit too hard in Q3," Lawson said after the session. </p> <p>"We had a really quick car today and had the potential to be one place higher.
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