Liam Lawson marathon man in Abu Dhabi tests: 159 laps completed for Racing Bulls. Liam Lawson as the one who completed the most laps in the Abu Dhabi post-season F1 tests.

While awaiting to understand any potential confirmations or changes to the Racing Bulls lineup for the next season, the Faenza-based team officially closed the 2024 Formula 1 season with the tests held on Tuesday at the Yas Marina circuit. While Liam Lawson tested the new Pirelli tires as the team’s main driver, Ayumu Iwasa was called up as a rookie, achieving convincing results.

Satisfaction at the end of the day
The Japanese driver recorded his best lap in 1:24.100, placing 6th and completing 110 laps: “Today was a great experience from the start, and I learned a lot,” explained the 23-year-old, who this year has been involved in Super Formula. “I also wanted to do my best for the team and for its future in the 2025 season. I received good feedback from the team, who were satisfied with how the day went, so I’m very happy with that. As for the race pace, I managed to do some quite good laps, so overall I was very satisfied with my performance. As the day went on, I became more and more comfortable with the car, and I feel like I’m getting used to the sensations of an F1 car. I hope that when I get the chance to drive again, my performance will be even better.”

The most present driver
Just like the Japanese driver, Lawson set his best lap with the C5 tires in 1:24.440, though he didn’t make it into the top ten. However, the New Zealander was the most present driver on track, completing an impressive 159 laps. “It was a good day; we decided to do as many laps as possible compared to everyone else, so we completed a lot, which was fantastic,” he said. “It’s probably the most I’ve driven in one go. On these days, you always learn more as you go through three race distances. Given the limited number of races I’ve done, it’s useful to have a day like this. It’s not often you get to complete the full program, so credit goes to the team, who were very well organized today. When you get the chance to go through so many tires like today, it’s always exciting. It was a nice way to wrap up the season and head into the winter break.”

Eighth in the Constructors’ Championship but fighting for sixth place until the last race of the season, Racing Bulls closes 2024 with upcoming events scheduled for February, when the livery of the new car will be revealed, and the first pre-season test sessions will take place in Bahrain.