Lawson Secures Top-Ten Start After Challenging Sao Paulo Sprint

Liam Lawson will start seventh in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, a strong recovery after a difficult Sprint race marked by contact and penalties. Despite the setback, Lawson's qualifying pace helped him secure a solid position on a tightly packed Interlagos grid.

Why it matters:

After a challenging Sprint, Lawson's strong qualifying performance for Racing Bulls not only puts him in a prime position to score points but also highlights the team's ability to adapt and perform under pressure. This result is crucial for Racing Bulls as they aim to consolidate their position in the Constructors' Championship.

The Details:

• Lawson's Sprint race was marred by contact with Oliver Bearman, resulting in a five-second penalty and a penalty point.
• Despite the penalty, Lawson expressed satisfaction with the car's pace in qualifying, stating, "I think the pace has been very, very good today. At least in quali."
• Team's Recovery: Racing Bulls Head of Vehicle Performance Guillaume Dezoteux noted the team's strong recovery, making several setup changes overnight and after the Sprint based on analysis and driver feedback.
  • Dezoteux highlighted the "very tight field" in qualifying, with 13 cars within half a second in Q2, making their P5 and P7 starts even more impressive.
• Double Q3 Appearance: Both Racing Bulls cars made it into Q3, with teammate Isack Hadjar qualifying fifth, showcasing the team's strong collective performance.
• Red Bull Comparison: Racing Bulls' strong showing contrasts sharply with the senior Red Bull team, which saw a double Q1 exit for the first time since 2006, leaving Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda 16th and 19th on the grid.

What's next:

Lawson's primary goal for Sunday's race is clear: scoring points. Starting from seventh, with his teammate Hadjar in fifth, Racing Bulls are in an excellent position to achieve this target and potentially make significant gains in the Constructors' standings. The team is focused on converting their strong qualifying pace into a solid race performance, especially considering the long race ahead and the unpredictable nature of Interlagos.