New Zealand driver Liam Lawson during F1 post season testing in Abu Dhabi, 2024. Photo: AFP
New Zealand driver Liam Lawson had a busy day at the Formula 1 post season test in Abu Dhabi.
Lawson drove 159 laps in his RB, the most of any driver on the day, and almost three times the race distance at the weekend.
The young Kiwi was 13th fastest, while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was fastest on the day.
Lawson admitted it was the most driving he had done done in the car at once, but it was worth it.
"You always learn more on these days as you effectively do three race distances.
"With the limited number of races I've done, it's helpful to do a day like this.
"It's not often that you get through the full programme you plan on doing, so credit to the Team today, they were very organised.
"When you get to run as many tyres as we have today, it's always exciting. It was a nice way to end the season and head into the winter break."
The testing involved both regular team drivers and rookies with each team running two cars over a nine hour period.
Leclerc's former team-mate Carlos Sainz made his first appearance for Williams, Estaban Ocon got into his new Haas and Kick Sauber had their new pairing of Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.
Lawson's team-mate Yuki Tsunoda got behind the Red Bull for the first time and was 17th fastest.
Sainz was second quickest followed by George Russell in a Mercedes.
Red Bull junior driver Ayumu Iwasa of Japan was in the other RB and was sixth fastest.
The day of testing was also important for tyre manufacturer Pirelli to help with picking compounds for the opening few races next year.
The 2024 season finished at the weekend in Abu Dhabi with McLaren claiming the constructors' championship.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen had previously wrapped up his fourth drivers' championship.
Lawson's future in F1 is expected to be known in the next week.
The opening race of the 2025 season is in Melbourne on 16 March.
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