Lawson secures third in Feature race and championship

Liam Lawson has capped off his 2022 FIA Formula 2 season at this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after coming third in the Feature race and third overall in the driver’s championship.

The podium comes after the New Zealander won the Sprint race earlier in the weekend, setting him up for a shot at the top three championship places.

Starting on the grid in ninth, the New Zealander found himself in a battle with Carlin teammate Logan Sargent but quickly took the position for sixth.

Lawson was among the first cars to pit for the medium compound tyre on lap eight, giving him the perfect undercut on Théo Pourchaire.

Felipe Drugovich, Roy Nissany and Sargeant were next into the pits with Drugovich managing to stay ahead of Lawson.

Running behind race leader Ayumu Iwasa, the newly crowned champion got within DRS range of the Japanese driver and soon caught up. However, Iwasa blocked any overtaking attempts by Drugovich to hold onto first.

Following behind the two was Lawson in third, crossing the line to round out the final F2 podium of this season.

Fellow Kiwi Marcus Armstrong finished ninth after starting the race in 11th.

The podium for Lawson meant he scored one point more than Sargeant in the driver’s championship for third place overall.

“It’s a nice way to end it, it has obviously been a pretty rocky season overall but to finish like this is really really nice for the team as well.,” said Lawson.

“I don’t know where we finished in the Teams’ standings but I think we’re up there.”

Carlin Motorsport, who Lawson drives for, finished second overall in the Teams’ standings behind MP Motorsport.

“It’s nice to repay them because the work they’ve done this year has been really good. It’s unfortunate that we just don’t have the points to show it,” he added.

“Happy with the weekend and nice to close the season like this.”