Liam Lawson Prepares for 'Shock' as Rain Creates 'Confusing' Las Vegas Challenge
Liam Lawson expects a tough final practice in Las Vegas, as light rain made FP2 "confusing" due to low grip and disrupted data collection. He anticipates a "shocking" repeat of last year's conditions, leaving teams blind for FP3. Lawson believes Racing Bulls' current P5/P6 standing is misleading, highlighting the need for adaptability amid the unpredictable weather and track changes.
Liam Lawson anticipates a highly challenging final practice session in Sin City after light rainfall made second practice "confusing" and incredibly slippery. He expects a repeat of the "shocking" conditions experienced by drivers last year, with the paddock entering FP3 essentially blind.
Why it matters:
Rainfall in Las Vegas, even if light, significantly impacts track grip, making it a critical factor for driver performance and team strategy. With limited data due to red flags and changing track conditions, teams face an uphill battle to optimize their cars, potentially shaking up the competitive order and favoring those who can adapt quickest to the unpredictable environment. This could create an exciting, unpredictable weekend for fans and a high-pressure scenario for all involved.
The Details:
- Slippery Conditions: A light rain shower before FP2 made the track incredibly slippery, despite no visible water, complicating car handling and data collection.
- Disrupted Sessions: Two red flags in the final 20 minutes of FP2 prevented teams from gathering essential long-run and short-run data, leaving them with incomplete information.
- Misleading Timesheets: Lawson believes Racing Bulls' FP2 results (P5 for Isack Hadjar, P6 for Lawson) might be inflated, as not all competitors completed their soft tire laps.
- Progress Made: Despite the challenges, Lawson noted that the team is in a better position than they started the day, a crucial improvement for the tight competition.
- Track Reset: Further rain after FP2 means the track will 'reset' again for final practice, ensuring low grip conditions will persist.
What's next:
Lawson expects FP3 to begin with extremely low grip, similar to the "shock" experienced by drivers last season. The goal for Racing Bulls is to build on their current car setup during FP3 and hopefully have a competitive car for qualifying. The ever-changing conditions in Las Vegas mean adaptability will be key, and any further rain could make the already tough challenge even more formidable for all teams.