‘It definitely feels different’ – Lawson opens up on how Racing Bulls car compares to Red Bull’s after Friday practice at Suzuka

Liam Lawson was in good spirits after Friday practice for the Japanese Grand Prix, where the New Zealander made his return to Racing Bulls after a challenging two-race stint with the senior Red Bull team.

Lawson, whose spot at Red Bull was taken by Yuki Tsunoda post-China, finished a disrupted day of running at the Suzuka Circuit – the first he has experience of on the 2025 calendar – in seventh position, with new team mate Isack Hadjar a few hundredths ahead in third.

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Asked for his reflections after stepping out of the car, Lawson said: “It was a good day. Nice to be driving, nice to be driving at Suzuka again.

“It’s a very cool track. With the resurfacing, Sector 1 is even faster now, so it just feels like it’s tearing your head off, which is quite exciting.

SUZUKA, JAPAN - APRIL 04: Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls prepares to — Lawson cut an upbeat figure during Friday practice at Suzuka

“But yeah, all in all a good day. Obviously tomorrow’s the more important one.”

Asked how the VCARB 02 compares to the RB21 he drove in Australia and China, the 23-year-old added: “It felt good. It does feel different, definitely. I think it’s maybe not what everyone expects, but it is definitely a different feeling to drive.

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“I think the window that the [Racing Bulls] guys have at the moment is very, very good. The car’s been fast so far this season, so hopefully we can replicate that tomorrow.”

Lawson also thanked Racing Bulls – particularly team boss Laurent Mekies – for the warm welcome back he has received over the last week.

“It’s been nice,” he admitted. “Everybody’s been very, very positive. Even from last week, Laurent was straight on the phone and very, very positive, saying all the things I needed to hear… going to see everyone at the factory, and obviously yesterday coming into the paddock as well.

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“I’ve spent a lot of time with this team, they’re a great bunch of people, and it’s nice to feel that welcome back again, so hopefully we can go and have some good races together.”

Hadjar was similarly upbeat after his top-three classification, claimed around several red flags in FP2, as he and Racing Bulls look to turn their so far impressive 2025 qualifying pace into a strong race result this weekend.

“It was more than encouraging and just really fun,” the Frenchman commented. “This car and track combo is definitely the best out there. I loved today.

“It’s definitely a good Friday. Now we’re getting used to it; Melbourne and China was really strong as well. We know what to work on and I think we’re on a good way for a good result tomorrow.”