Lawson Shines in Sao Paulo, Racing Bulls Endure Last-Lap Scare

Liam Lawson delivered a standout performance in Sao Paulo, securing an impressive seventh place for Racing Bulls despite a last-lap clash with teammate Isack Hadjar. The incident saw Hadjar attempt an aggressive outside pass into Turn 1, making slight contact with Lawson, but both drivers ultimately emerged unscathed.

Why it matters:

This result is crucial for Racing Bulls, who have endured a challenging period. Scoring a significant double points finish not only provides a much-needed morale boost but also extends their lead in the Constructors' Championship battle, solidifying their position against key rivals like Aston Martin.

The details:

• Lawson's Strategy: Lawson executed a masterful one-stop strategy, expertly managing his medium tires for the majority of the race. He also made critical gains at both the initial start and the Safety Car restart.
• Teammate Clash: On the final lap, Isack Hadjar attempted an aggressive overtake on Lawson, resulting in minor contact. Both drivers, however, continued without major incident.
  • Lawson acknowledged his teammate's ambition, stating to Sky Sports F1, "He was going for a move, and it's the type of corner that obviously curves in and he's obviously trying to clear me before the braking and I think just misjudged it." He added, "But obviously we both came out of it, so it was okay – and more importantly for the team to have two cars seventh and eighth is great today."
  • Hadjar admitted his error, saying, "I pushed it a little too much. But honestly it was very, very fun... I tried and I overdid it. Kind of my mistake."
• Team Principal's View: Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane praised the team's execution and both drivers. He highlighted the importance of the result, stating, "It’s been a barren spell for us, so to come back here and qualify so well, to then having both cars in the points is a superb effort."

The big picture:

This double points finish marks a significant turning point for Racing Bulls after a "barren spell." They outscored all their championship rivals, creating a healthier 10-point gap to Aston Martin in the fight for sixth in the Constructors' Championship. This performance underscores the team's potential to execute strong race strategies and manage intense internal competition effectively.

What's next:

Racing Bulls will now focus on recovery and preparation for the season-ending triple-header, starting with Las Vegas. Permane emphasized the need for both thorough preparation and allowing the team to "recover and refresh" before the demanding final stretch of the season. Maintaining this momentum will be key to solidifying their championship standing.