Young gun Kai Allen was on Kostecki's tail for the majority of Saturday's 37-lap sprint.
Motorsport
Sat, Apr 18
The 20-year-old Ford ace, who had previously finished on podium five times, gestured to fans in triumph on Friday in the first of four bumper races this weekend in Christchurch.
Fri, Apr 17
The third race at Taupō, and 10th of the season, will now go ahead next weekend in the historic round in Christchurch.
Sat, Apr 11
Conditions were close to perfect on Friday as local hero Ryan Wood topped practice two, but the weather is set to dramatically change ahead of racing.
New Zealand
Fri, Apr 10
The move could fuel speculation around Verstappen's future in F1, as the 28-year-old had been a vocal critic of the new generation of F1 cars.
The Red Bull driver is among the drivers struggling after one of the most significant regulation changes in F1 took place this season.
Mon, Mar 30
Lawson finished in the points for the third straight race after grabbing ninth position at Suzuka.
The Kiwi driver crashed through a fence during practice for the Grand Prix of Alabama after losing control at high speed, but emerged uninjured.
Sun, Mar 29
The Kiwi driver will provisionally start 14th on the grid for Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix, after a frustrating day at the Suzuka Circuit.
Events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia called off, with the next F1 race not until May 3 in Miami.
Fri, Mar 27
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, Lawson said the sport's new regulations and cars had transformed how drivers approached a race weekend.
The Racing Bulls driver finished seventh in both races, securing eight points and jumping up to ninth in the World Drivers Championship standings.
Mon, Mar 16
The Kiwi driver stormed through the field from 13th to finish seventh, securing his first points of the 2026 season.
Sat, Mar 14
Lawson lined up on the grid in eighth at the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, but quickly fell back to 20th as he struggled to get off the line.
Mon, Mar 9
The Racing Bulls driver qualified eighth for Sunday's season-opener, while Mercedes locked out the front row and Max Verstappen crashed out in Q1.
Sun, Mar 8
He said the start of last year was easier, as all teams had a good grip on the cars, but this year, "we're still figuring it out".
Fri, Mar 6
The Kiwi Formula 1 driver talked to Breakfast this morning ahead of this week's season opener in Melbourne.
Tue, Mar 3
An emotional Norris stood sobbing on the podium at Yas Marina after a year marked by intense pressure, late-season drama and one of the closest title fights in recent years.
December 8, 2025
Lawson will line up with 18-year-old Arvid Lindblad in 2026 after his current teammate Isack Hadjar was promoted to join Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
December 6, 2025
On Wednesday, Lawson's team Racing Bulls announced it would be keeping the 23-year-old for the 2026 season.
December 5, 2025
He will race alongside Arvid Lindblad, who has been promoted from Formula 2, while Isack Hadjar will move to the Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen.
December 3, 2025
According to a Dutch publication, several sources have said Lawson will retain his seat with Racing Bulls - Red Bull's junior outfit.
December 2, 2025
The 23-year-old Kiwi will find out if he has a spot on the grid for 2026 on Wednesday, according to Red Bull team officials.
December 1, 2025
Kiwi Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson has banked a ninth-place finish at the Qatar Grand Prix, strengthening his campaign for a full-time seat next season.
It followed a steady showing in the earlier 19-lap sprint race around the Lusail International Circuit where Lawson climbed from 16th on the grid to finish 14th.
November 30, 2025
