Liam Lawson Eyes Q3 at US GP Following Strong Practice Pace

Liam Lawson has signaled a strong start to the United States Grand Prix weekend, climbing to sixth in FP2 at the Circuit of the Americas. Backed by a sweeping aerodynamic overhaul at Racing Bulls, Lawson outpaced both McLaren drivers in the second session, positioning himself as a serious contender for a Q3 appearance.

Why it matters:

The jump in performance is the direct result of a calculated upgrade package. For Racing Bulls, showing pace ahead of top-tier teams like McLaren—even in practice—validates their current technical direction. It provides Lawson with significant momentum as he looks to maximize his scoring potential in the high-stakes environment of COTA.

The details:

• Performance Jump: Lawson improved from 10th in FP1 to 6th in FP2, recording a 1m36.331s—narrowly edging out Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
• Aero Package: The updated specification includes a new floor, revised bodywork, and overhauled front and rear wings on both cars.
• Critical Hurdles:
  • Tyre Degradation: High Texas temperatures have caused higher-than-expected wear, which Team Principal Alan Permane noted as a key area for overnight improvement.
  • Track Limits: Lawson already faced a deleted lap in FP1, highlighting the precision required to maintain pace without penalties.
• Teammate Contrast: Arvid Lindblad slipped to 13th in FP2 after struggling with soft tyre rhythm. He also faces a five-place grid penalty for taking a new internal combustion engine (ICE).

What's next:

The focus now shifts to fine-tuning the car's balance to maximize the new aero package while mitigating tyre wear. While Lindblad's penalty complicates his weekend, the team's primary objective remains pushing for a high starting position, with Lawson firmly targeting a top-10 qualifying slot to secure a strong grid start.