Lawson Took 'Added Risk' to Hold Off Tsunoda in Azerbaijan

Liam Lawson has admitted he was prepared to take extra risks to maintain his position against Yuki Tsunoda in the closing stages of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This aggressive defense ultimately secured him a career-best fifth-place finish.

Why it matters:

Lawson's impressive drive, highlighted by his determined defense against Tsunoda, not only secured a significant points haul for Racing Bulls but also underscored his growing confidence and race craft. This performance is crucial for his F1 career, especially given the context of swapping seats with Tsunoda earlier in the season.

The Details:

• Lawson was leading a train of cars, with Tsunoda, Lando Norris, and Lewis Hamilton battling behind him for P6, P7, and P8 respectively.
• Tsunoda pitted much later than Lawson, emerging on track just ahead, but Lawson quickly reclaimed the position in the subsequent corners.
• Lawson expressed surprise at his ability to stay ahead, noting Tsunoda was on a fresh set of medium tires, which typically offer more grip.
• He anticipated Tsunoda would catch him faster, especially after seeing the strong performance of Max Verstappen and the car's overall pace.
• Lawson highlighted Racing Bulls' strong performance in Sector 3 of the Baku circuit as a key factor in his defense.
• He also mentioned learning from an earlier mistake with Kimi Antonelli, ensuring he didn't run out of energy again for crucial defense.

Between the lines:

There was added intrigue to the battle, as Lawson and Tsunoda had swapped seats earlier in the season. However, Lawson maintained that the identity of the driver behind him didn't influence his strategy. He treated Tsunoda's challenge like any other, focusing solely on defending his position.

What's next:

Lawson's assertive drive and strategic awareness in Baku further cement his reputation as a formidable talent on the F1 grid. This strong showing could be a significant boost for his future prospects and potentially influence team decisions for the upcoming seasons. If he continues to deliver such performances, he will undoubtedly draw more attention and opportunities within Formula 1.