Lawson Reveals Hadjar's Apology After Brazilian Grand Prix Clash

Liam Lawson has confirmed that Isack Hadjar apologized for their last-lap contact at the Brazilian Grand Prix, an incident that saw both Racing Bulls drivers secure valuable points. Despite the clash, the team managed to clinch seventh and eighth places, highlighting their fierce but ultimately productive on-track battle.

Why it matters:

• The incident in Brazil, involving two teammates battling intensely on the final lap, underscores the high-stakes environment of Formula 1 where every position and point is crucial.
• It also offers insight into the team dynamics at Racing Bulls, showing their willingness to let drivers race hard while still maintaining a professional post-race dialogue.
• This double-points finish was critical for Racing Bulls, strengthening their position against Aston Martin in the Constructors' Championship as the season nears its conclusion.

The Details:

• On the final lap of the Brazilian Grand Prix, Liam Lawson, on a one-stop strategy, was holding seventh place with a DRS train forming behind him.
• Isack Hadjar attempted an aggressive outside overtake into Turn 1, resulting in contact with Lawson's car.
• Both drivers managed to finish the race, securing seventh and eighth positions for Racing Bulls.
• Hadjar's Apology: Lawson revealed that Hadjar immediately apologized after the race, which Lawson accepted, acknowledging that he would have attempted a similar move if their roles were reversed.
  • Hadjar himself admitted he "overdid it" and acknowledged Lawson's worn tires at that point.
• Team's Stance: Lawson confirmed that the team had given them the freedom to race, not issuing any 'no-race' calls, trusting their drivers not to cause a crash.
• Future Racing: Lawson stressed that while the Brazil incident was "high risk," he hopes to avoid similar situations in the future, ideally by not being in such a precarious position.
• Lawson's Approach: He refuted suggestions that his approach was influenced by thoughts about his 2026 future, stating he would always race as hard as possible, regardless of the opponent or context.

The Big Picture:

This event highlights the balance teams must strike between allowing drivers to race and ensuring team results. Racing Bulls' decision to let their drivers compete freely, even on the last lap, showcases confidence in their drivers' abilities to manage risk, despite the contact. The double-points finish was a significant boost, providing their first since Azerbaijan and extending their lead over Aston Martin in the fight for sixth in the Constructors' standings with three rounds remaining.

What's next:

With the season winding down, Racing Bulls will need to maintain this competitive spirit while ensuring their drivers can maximize points without jeopardizing team results. The professional handling of the Brazil incident by both drivers and the team bodes well for their ability to navigate future on-track battles, especially as they look to cement their Constructors' Championship position.