New Zealand driver Liam Lawson has gained points at the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos in Sao Paulo edging clear of late challenges from Sergio Perez and then Lewis Hamilton to take two championship points for RB.
Conditions were wet in the qualifying session which was red flagged a record five times, as the kiwi driver qualified fifth.
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Lawson was consistent for most of the race but was spun by at Turn 1 by Oscar Piastri midway and fell from sixth to tenth, but managed to come home ninth in the end.
The chaotic race was won by Max Verstappen, who is now even closer to the champions title as main rival Lando Norris was sixth.
A mid-race red flag worked massively in his favor and prevented any requirement of a pit stop
Verstappen started 17th and quickly surged through the pack in difficult conditions, reaching the front at the race’s final restart following after a crash by Carlos Sainz on lap 40.
He then was comfortable until the chequered flag at 19 seconds ahead of the field.
Following Verstappen home were the Alpine pair of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, who ran an excellenet strategy and benefitted from a mid-race red flag. It was Verstappen’s 62nd race win,
George Russell was fourth, ahead of Charles Leclerc and Norris, while Yuki Tsunoda was promoted to seventh at Piastri’s expense once the Australian’s 10-second penalty for spinning Lawson was applied.
Hamilton rounded out the top ten, having passed Perez late before challenging Lawson but running out of time to make a move.
Just 15 cars finished the race. Alex Albon and Lance Stroll didn't making the start, Franco Colapinto and Carlos Sainz crashed out, and Nico Hulkenberg was disqualified.
Earlier Norris, Russell and Tsunoda qualified as the top three, but all missed the podium in the main race.
Results were provisional with Lawson, Norris, Russell and Tsunoda all under investigation for a potential start line infringements.