RB's New Zealander driver Liam Lawson Photo: AFP / Lillian Suwanrumpha
"Something to reflect on" is how New Zealand driver Liam Lawson summed up his Formula 1 weekend in Singapore.
Lawson finished 15th in a race that could have offered so much more.
After crashing twice in practice Lawson was already behind the eight ball as far as the race was concerned and an alternate team strategy didn't work out for him.
After qualifying 14th, Lawson actually started 12th after the two Williams cars were disqualified for a technical infringement.
Racing Bulls decided to start the Kiwi on medium tyres and he managed to get through 49 of the 62 laps on those, running in the top ten for the majority of that time.
The team Bulls had hoped a safety car would help Lawson but it didn't eventuate.
However his pit meant he came out well down the field and was unable to make up any positions.
"We stayed out most of the race on a set of mediums and unfortunately ended up behind a train of cars after we boxed," Lawson said afterwards.
"Carlos (Sainz) was behind me and then he ended up finishing tenth, so I had no idea what happened in that lap because I came out behind the train and he came out in front of the train."
However Lawson admits he didn't help himself with his exploits on Friday and Saturday.
"Had we started higher up the grid, we could've potentially ended up in the points with our pace, but a tough quali meant it was going to be tricky from the outset.
"It's been a difficult weekend in challenging conditions, but my focus is now on Austin."
Liam Lawson of New Zealand after his crash in practice, Singapore 2025. Photo: ROBERT SZANISZLO / AFP
Lawson's team-mate Isack Hadjar had problems with his engine and also finished out of the points in 11th place.
"A very tough day today for us, and the first time that we've been out of the points since Silverstone," Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane said afterwards.
"We will re-group and come back strong in Austin - a track that will definitely suit our car."
A no points result means Racing Bulls remain sixth in the Teams' Standings and are now 30 points behind fifth placed Williams.
The race was won by George Russell of Mercedes with Red Bull's Max Verstappen second and the McLaren by Lando Norris third.
Oscar Piastri was fourth meaning his championship lead over Norris was cut to 22 points.
However McLaren did clinch the Constructors' Championship.
The next Grand Prix is in Texas on 19 October.
