Hadjar Shines in Vegas as Lawson's Race Derailed by Early Collision
Isack Hadjar delivered a strong P6 finish for Racing Bulls in Las Vegas, showcasing consistent performance throughout the challenging race weekend. However, teammate Liam Lawson's promising start was cut short by an early Turn 1 collision, resulting in front wing damage and a lost opportunity for points. The divergent outcomes highlight Hadjar's growing momentum and the mounting pressure on Lawson as the season concludes.
Racing Bulls left Las Vegas with a mix of emotions: Isack Hadjar extended his rookie momentum with a strong sixth-place finish, while teammate Liam Lawson's race quickly unraveled after the lights went out. The result secured eight points for the team, but also highlighted a significant missed opportunity for Lawson.
Why it matters:
Ferrari's potential 'extreme' 2026 power unit, if reliability issues are solved, could dramatically alter the competitive landscape of F1. After years of inconsistent performance, a top-tier engine is crucial for Ferrari to challenge established frontrunners and return to championship contention, a position they haven't held consistently since 2018.
The details:
- Isack Hadjar continued to exceed expectations, maintaining a top-ten position throughout the race despite the challenging conditions in Las Vegas.
- He executed a medium-to-hard tire strategy, successfully fending off seasoned drivers like Nico Hülkenberg and Lewis Hamilton over the 50-lap duration.
- Hadjar's Assessment: Despite a P6 finish, Hadjar expressed some disappointment with the car's pace in race trim, stating, “I’m a bit disappointed with the pace we had. So far this weekend, over one lap we were more competitive.”
- He admitted to managing tires perhaps too conservatively, expecting more graining, and felt it became a “full-push race” where they couldn't catch the Williams.
- Team Standings: The result solidifies Racing Bulls' sixth position in the constructors' standings, giving them a 17-point lead over Haas, though Williams remains out of reach.
- Lawson's Incident: Liam Lawson, who out-qualified Hadjar, saw his race end almost immediately. He braked too late into Turn 1, making contact with Oscar Piastri’s McLaren and damaging his front wing.
- Lawson took full responsibility: “I just made a mistake, didn’t expect the field to check up so much at Turn 1. It wasn’t my intention... just went in deep and unfortunately made contact with Oscar.”
- Consequences: The collision forced Lawson into an early pit stop, dropping him to last place, from which he never recovered, eventually finishing 14th. His direct Red Bull rival, Yuki Tsunoda, also failed to score, offering a minor consolation.
The big picture:
Hadjar's flawless weekend, from practice to the final lap, marked his most complete performance in F1, showcasing consistent execution. Conversely, Lawson's costly error in a points-paying position underscored the shrinking opportunities for him to prove his worth in the highly competitive Red Bull driver hierarchy.
What's next:
The contrasting performances of Hadjar and Lawson in Las Vegas intensify the pressure for both drivers in the final two races of the season. Hadjar will aim to carry his strong form forward, while Lawson faces increased scrutiny to convert qualifying potential into race results, especially as his chances to impress dwindle.