Liam Lawson Reveals True Feelings After Isack Hadjar's Apology

Liam Lawson has revealed that Isack Hadjar apologized to him following their dramatic final-lap contact at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Lawson, who was attempting a one-stop strategy, found himself in a fierce battle for seventh, leading a DRS train of cars. On the final lap, Hadjar made an aggressive move into Turn 1, but Lawson held his ground, securing a crucial 10 points for Racing Bulls, propelling them ahead of Aston Martin in the constructors' championship.

Why it matters:

This incident highlights the intense pressure on young drivers in Formula 1, especially when fighting for championship points and their future in the sport. Lawson's composure under pressure and Hadjar's subsequent apology underscore the fine line between aggressive racing and respectful sportsmanship, even when team orders are absent. For Racing Bulls, securing points is vital for their standing and future prospects.

The Details:

• Lawson was running in seventh place, fending off a long DRS train of cars, including his teammate Hadjar.
• On the 71st and final lap, Hadjar attempted to overtake Lawson into Turn 1, resulting in contact.
• Lawson successfully defended his position, ultimately finishing ahead of Hadjar and securing P7.
• The 10 points gained were crucial for Racing Bulls, allowing them to leapfrog Aston Martin into sixth in the constructors' standings.
• Hadjar's Apology: Lawson confirmed that Hadjar later apologized for the aggressive move, which Lawson described as respectful.
• Team Trust: Lawson noted that the team did not issue any 'no-race' calls, trusting their drivers to compete without crashing.
• High-Risk Situation: Lawson acknowledged the high risk involved in such a last-lap battle, emphasizing that while they got away with it in Brazil, ideally, such situations should be avoided.

Between the lines:

Lawson's comments about "trying to prove a point in Formula 1 and trying to secure being a Formula 1 driver next year" reveal the underlying stakes for drivers in every race. While he insisted his future aspirations don't change his racing style, the intensity of such a battle for points, especially against a teammate, is amplified by the constant evaluation drivers face.

What's next:

This incident serves as a reminder of the competitive spirit within teams and the importance of every point. Moving forward, both drivers will likely carry this experience, balancing ambition with team objectives. While Lawson's immediate F1 future remains a topic of discussion, his performance in Brazil certainly bolstered his case, demonstrating both pace and racecraft under pressure.