Unseen Last-Lap Clash: Lawson and Hadjar's Battle for Double Points

In a dramatic, yet unseen, final lap of the Brazilian Grand Prix, Racing Bulls teammates Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar collided while battling for a double points finish. Despite the contact, both drivers secured top-10 positions, bringing crucial points to the team after three scoreless weekends, highlighting their aggressive pursuit of constructor championship gains.

Why it matters:

This incident, though not broadcast live, underscores the fierce competition even among teammates, especially when vital championship points are on the line. For Racing Bulls, securing a double points finish in P7 and P8 significantly boosts their standing in the Constructors' Championship, extending their lead over rivals Aston Martin and Haas. This internal rivalry, while risky, demonstrates the drivers' hunger and the team's upward trajectory in the midfield battle.

The details:

• Last-Lap Scuffle: On the final lap at Interlagos, Isack Hadjar attempted an aggressive overtake on Liam Lawson around the outside of Turn 1. The cars made wheel-to-wheel contact as Hadjar squeezed Lawson towards the apex.
• Unbroadcasted Drama: The incident occurred simultaneously with Max Verstappen's battle for second place against Kimi Antonelli, leading to the Lawson-Hadjar clash being missed by the live broadcast.
• Driver Perspectives:
  • Hadjar's Admission: "I pushed it a little too much... I tried and I overdid it, kind of my mistake." He acknowledged his aggressive move but highlighted the excitement of the fight, especially as Lawson was on a one-stop strategy and struggling with tire degradation.
  • Lawson's Understanding: Lawson, no stranger to close racing, felt Hadjar's move was justifiable given it was the last lap. "He was going for a move... I think just misjudged it. But we both came out of it, so it was okay, and more importantly, for the team to have two cars seventh and eighth is great today." He respected the hard racing, despite the risk.
• Team Impact: Despite the contact, both cars crossed the line in seventh and eighth, securing 10 crucial points for Racing Bulls. This performance helped them widen their gap in the Constructors' Championship, now sitting on 82 points, ahead of Aston Martin (72 points) and Haas (70 points).

The big picture:

The Racing Bulls' performance in Brazil, culminating in this dramatic but successful double points finish, is a strong statement in the midfield. It demonstrates their competitive spirit and effective race strategy, especially Lawson's successful one-stop. The internal competition between Lawson and Hadjar, while pushing boundaries, ultimately benefited the team by maximizing their points haul in a critical phase of the season.

What's next:

The team will undoubtedly review the incident to ensure such aggressive moves don't compromise future results. However, the successful outcome reinforces their position as a leading contender in the midfield. Both drivers' abilities to push hard and deliver points, even under pressure, will be crucial as Racing Bulls look to solidify their sixth place in the Constructors' Championship in the remaining races.