Formula 1: the matchup, the stakes, the verdict

As he prepares to resume a Formula One season disrupted by war in Iran, Liam Lawson is well positioned to continue what should be the best season of his career. Formula 1 has emerged this Friday as one of the stories drawing attention in New Zealand.

Key facts

• As he prepares to resume a Formula One season disrupted by war in Iran, Liam Lawson is well positioned to continue what should be the best season of his career.
• Considering Formula One’s new regulations, and the chaos they’ve caused to start the 2026 season, Miami does prove to be an intriguing reset point.
• “Every time I get in the car, I try to do the best job I can,” he said. “Formula One is a sport of variables – there’s a lot that has to happen to have a successful weekend and successful year.
• The Kiwi’s career-best season has been hit by a five-week gap thanks to the Iran war.
• But Formula One’s in-season break came after three points finishes across two race weekends for the Kiwi, who claimed two sevenths in China, and ninth in Japan for good measure.

What we know

Going deeper, Considering Formula One’s new regulations, and the chaos they’ve caused to start the 2026 season, Miami does prove to be an intriguing reset point.

On the substance, the Kiwi’s career-best season has been hit by a five-week gap thanks to the Iran war.

Beyond the headlines, But Formula One’s in-season break came after three points finishes across two race weekends for the Kiwi, who claimed two sevenths in China, and ninth in Japan for good measure.

More precisely, that form is nothing short of an incredible turnaround from 12 months earlier, where Lawson was still coming to terms with his two-race demotion from Red Bull, as the rest of the year turned into a contest to retain his place at Racing Bulls.

It is worth noting that What’s more, returning to Miami also gives Lawson the chance to right the wrongs of 2025 - where he was harshly penalised and lost seventh place in the sprint race, and was taken out by Alpine’s Jack Doohan on the opening lap of the grand prix.

By the numbers

At this stage, as a result, the weekend’s one practice session has been extended from one hour to 90 minutes, to give teams the chance to learn as much as they can before sprint qualifying.

On a related note, Racing Bulls will unveil a new aerodynamic package, with all 11 teams expected to have improved their cars in some way in the hope of matching runaway leaders Mercedes.

Going deeper, ‘Safety should come first’: Lawson reacts to F1’s new rule changes.

On the substance, Explained: F1 makes rule changes as drivers get their way for Miami.

What they're saying

“Every time I get in the car, I try to do the best job I can,” he said. “Formula One is a sport of variables – there’s a lot that has to happen to have a successful weekend and successful year.

“It’s really hard to know at this point,” said Lawson. “[The upgrades] are definitely positive, but I think a lot of teams will be bringing stuff here.

The wider context

On a related note, while many would consider a five-week break from work a blessing, Lawson would be forgiven for thinking otherwise.

Going deeper, Instead of racing in what should have been the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix, Lawson’s time has been otherwise filled by a short return to New Zealand to renew his passport, and spending time in his adopted homes in Monaco and the USA.

On the substance, That’s not even taking into account speculation of a short-term switch to Supercars either.

Beyond the headlines, Speaking before practice and sprint qualifying on Saturday (NZ time), though, Lawson conceded he can’t rest on his laurels.

“This year has been working out quite well for us.

The bottom line

• The Kiwi’s career-best season has been hit by a five-week gap thanks to the Iran war.
• That form is nothing short of an incredible turnaround from 12 months earlier, where Lawson was still coming to terms with his two-race demotion from Red Bull, as the rest of the year turned into a contest to retain his place at Racing Bulls.
• As a result, the weekend’s one practice session has been extended from one hour to 90 minutes, to give teams the chance to learn as much as they can before sprint qualifying.