Liam Lawson Promoted to Seventh at Sao Paulo Grand Prix
Liam Lawson claimed seventh place at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after a late-race collision involving Charles Leclerc at Interlagos, 1News reported.
Lawson crossed the finish line in eighth position following a chaotic race in damp conditions. The Racing Bulls driver gained a position after Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc received a five-second time penalty for causing a collision during their late-race battle.
Leclerc was reported to race stewards after hitting Lawson as the Ferrari driver attempted a pass near the end of the 71-lap race. The penalty dropped Leclerc behind the New Zealander in the final classification, promoting Lawson to seventh and lifting his points haul from four to six.
The six championship points extend Lawson’s season tally to 89 and consolidate his ninth place overall in the Drivers’ Championship. The result marks Lawson’s 15th points finish of the 2026 season, equalling Pierre Gasly’s record for the most points finishes in a single season by a Racing Bulls driver.
Lawson started the race from the third grid spot after matching his career-best qualifying result. He made a strong start on intermediate tyres to run second in the opening laps before dropping back as the track dried and faster cars overtook him.
🚨 OFFICIAL: Charles Leclerc has received a 5-second time penalty for his collision with Liam Lawson at Turn 12 during the São Paulo Grand Prix. The stewards determined that Leclerc was responsible for the contact, which allowed him to close the gap and eventually overtake… pic.twitter.com/UfmAXEoS3g
“It was a good start,” Lawson said. “Once the pace stabilises, we don’t really have the pace to fight. I’m honestly just trying to enjoy driving at the moment. The car is in a great place. The fact we’re fighting Ferraris, McLarens and Mercedes at different points of the race today is obviously cool.”
The latest points finish reinforces Lawson’s position as he fights to secure a seat for next season. Racing Bulls has not yet confirmed its driver line-up for the 2027 grid.
At the front of the field, McLaren driver Lando Norris won the race from pole position. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished second, with Isack Hadjar taking third to complete the podium at Interlagos.