Liam Lawson spins and continues in first outing for Red Bull

Kiwi driver Liam Lawson lost control briefly in his first official test drive of the new F1 car. He had a mild spin after touching the paint but pulled to a halt and carried on. He also recorded a respectable time on the first day of Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain.

Despite the minor spin in his new RB21, Lawson was second fastest in the session, behind Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Lawson completed 58 laps and finished eighth fastest overall by the end of the day.

In an interrupted afternoon session, McLaren’s Lando Norris went fastest. He was over a second quicker than what Lawson managed earlier in the day.

Mercedes’ George Russell was second fastest while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was third and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc fourth.

Lewis Hamilton was 13th fastest, familiarising himself with his new drive.

Teams have three days of testing in Bahrain before the 2025 season starts in Australia on March 16.

Lawson is scheduled to test all day on Friday with Verstappen taking over on the final day.

Verstappen is competing for a fifth consecutive drivers’ title, while McLaren will attempt to defend its constructors’ title.

In related news, the FIA has confirmed that the Monaco Grand Prix will include a mandatory two stops. The aim is to promote better racing at the principality where passing is difficult.