Liam Lawson had an impressive weekend in Austin, and an exceptional race. After setting the third fastest time in Q1 yesterday and having to start 19th due to a penalty, the RB F1 driver moved up to ninth place to score two points
“It was a difficult race, very intense. I had forgotten how hectic it is, the race is long and it’s cool to be able to be proactive on the wheel” said the New Zealander about the race management required by a Formula 1 single-seater.
“The settings were the key, we showed in Q1 the potential of the car, even if we couldn’t show it in Q2. We knew the car was strong but you never know how it will go in the race, so it was good that it worked.”
Besides his strong performance in Q1, Lawson is convinced he could have qualified in the top 10, but he doesn’t think he would have finished ahead of Nico Hülkenberg: “It was a good lap, yes! But with the evolution of the track, and the fact that I felt comfortable, I think we could have progressed.”
“I was disappointed that we couldn’t attempt Q2 and Q3 but it worked well in the race. The Haas were very fast and even if I had been close to Nico on the grid, it would have been difficult to beat them. We had a very similar race pace but they did a very good job.
He reveals that he did not want to devote too much energy to the subject of his future or discussions concerning it, preferring to focus on the ride: “It was cool! There was obviously a lot of feedback before this weekend, and I focused on my riding and tried to ignore that.”
“I know these races are important, no one needs to tell me that. My goal is to be in F1 next year and I know this is the ticket for that. We are going to Mexico on a circuit very different. And all the tracks are different, there will be Sprints, so there is a lot to do and a lot to learn.”
Lawson had trouble with Fernando Alonso during the weekend, while the Spaniard did not appreciate him overtaking him on track and resisting his attacks. He assures that he has no hard feelings towards the Aston Martin driver after harsh remarks from his rival.
“I haven’t spoken with him since that conversation. It’s racing, there’s the heat of the moment, it was an intense fight. But I think I did things well, it was close but today I expected him to fight more But he was kind and let me pass.
“He’s someone who has a huge amount of experience and who I can learn a lot from. He’s someone I looked up to as a kid, growing up, and I have enormous respect for him, though. ‘it happened yesterday.’
Conversely, Yuki Tsunoda had a difficult race, ending out of the points due in particular to a poorly calculated strategy: “The strategy itself, I made only one stop, but it wasn’t good. The others put on hard tires and made their first stint last, like Hülkenberg.”
The Japanese driver also admits his mistake after forcing Alex Albon off the track, which earned him a penalty: “And the mistake on my side was my fault. It was a difficult race. There is frustration but I will come back stronger.”
