Lawson's Las Vegas Race Derailed by Opening Lap Collision

Liam Lawson's promising Las Vegas Grand Prix ended prematurely after a Turn 1 incident on the opening lap. The collision with Oscar Piastri forced an early pit stop for a new front wing, relegating the Kiwi driver to a 16th-place finish and costing Racing Bulls a potential double-points finish.

Why it matters:

An early race incident for Lawson not only compromised his individual performance but also potentially cost Racing Bulls crucial constructors' points. With the team currently holding sixth in the standings, every point is vital in maintaining their lead over competitors like Aston Martin, especially as the season progresses towards its critical stages. A clean race for both drivers is paramount for their championship ambitions.

The Details:

• The Incident: On the opening lap, Lawson attempted to avoid a late-braking George Russell and inadvertently made contact with Oscar Piastri's McLaren in Turn 1. This contact caused front wing damage to Lawson's car.
• Immediate Impact: The damage necessitated an unscheduled pit stop for a front wing change, significantly compromising Lawson's race strategy in what was otherwise a straightforward one-stop race.
• Lawson's Reaction: "I'm disappointed for the team today as the car has been fast this weekend," Lawson stated. He attributed the incident to the extremely slippery conditions in Turn 1 and the checking up of cars ahead, leaving him with nowhere to go. He expressed regret, believing the team should have had two cars in the points.
• Teammate's Performance: In contrast, teammate Isack Hadjar navigated the opening lap chaos successfully, finishing the race in an impressive eighth place, securing four valuable points for Racing Bulls.
• Team Principal's View: Racing Bulls Team Principal Alan Permane acknowledged Lawson's misfortune but highlighted the overall strong weekend for the team, praising Hadjar's "great race" and the car's continued speed.

The Big Picture:

Racing Bulls demonstrated strong pace throughout the Las Vegas weekend, suggesting their car is competitive. While Lawson's incident was a setback, Hadjar's points finish underscores the team's potential. Maintaining sixth in the constructors' championship, 14 points ahead of Aston Martin, indicates a solid position, but missed opportunities like this can become critical in the tight midfield battle.

What's next:

Despite the disappointment for Lawson, the team remains focused on carrying the car's strong performance into the upcoming Sprint weekend in Qatar. The goal will be to avoid similar incidents and capitalize on their pace to secure a double-points finish, further solidifying their position in the Constructors' Championship.