Pukekohe teenager Liam Lawson has made the perfect start to his Formula 2 career by winning the season opening race in Bahrain.

Starting from second, Lawson made a terrific jump off the line and led through the opening corner.

He opened up a bit of a lead before his tyres started to wear and Hitech GP teammate Jehan Daruvala started to catch him.

A good battled ensued but the Kiwi held on to grab a maiden race win in the feeder category to Formula 1.

“It was a pretty good race,” Lawson said. “I think it was mostly down to the start.

“We had a really good launch, and once I got the lead, I tried to figure out where the balance was going to go and after I got that figured out it was just about managing from there.

“Jehan came strong midway through, and because he was a lot faster, I honestly thought he was going to get me, so I was preparing myself for as much defensive as I could, and he pressured me to the end.

“I am speechless at the moment honestly. It’s awesome to win races, but the end goal is the Championship so it’s a good start but it’s a very long way to go.”

Starting from 10th, courtesy of his race one win, Lawson made a superb jump to climb up to fourth in the second sprint race.

Unfortunately he was turned around by Felipe Drugovich in an optimistic passing manoeuvre and damage to his suspension forced the Kiwi to retire.

Lawson will start eighth in the feature race overnight Sunday NZT.