Liam Lawson Hopes for Major Turnaround in Qatar After 'Hardest' F1 Challenge

Liam Lawson is optimistic his Racing Bulls team can significantly improve their performance in Qatar this year, a track he described as his "hardest" challenge in 2023. With a better understanding of their car, the team aims to solidify their sixth place in the constructors' championship and potentially secure a points finish.

Why it matters:

Racing Bulls, currently 18 points clear of Haas, is looking to maintain its strong position in the constructors' standings. A significant improvement in Qatar, a circuit where they struggled last year, would underscore their progress and boost confidence as they battle for crucial championship points.

The details:

• Last season in Qatar, Lawson qualified 10th for the Sprint but finished 16th. He started the Grand Prix 17th and finished 14th, while then-teammate Yuki Tsunoda also failed to break into the top 10.
• Lawson acknowledges Qatar was one of their most difficult races last year, making any positive performance this season a strong indicator of their development.
• Car Understanding: Lawson emphasized that Racing Bulls now has a "much better place" with the car and a "better understanding" compared to 2023.
• Sprint Format Challenge: Despite the improved understanding, Lawson notes that the Sprint weekend format will present an additional challenge, requiring quick adaptation and setup.

What's next:

Lawson and Racing Bulls are hoping their enhanced car understanding translates into a competitive showing in Qatar. A points finish would be crucial in their fight to cement sixth place in the constructors' championship and build momentum for the remainder of the season. If they can overcome the difficulties faced last year, it will signal a significant step forward for the team's overall performance and their ability to contend on diverse track layouts.