Liam Lawson Reveals Strategy Change That Saved His Brazilian GP

Liam Lawson has detailed how his Racing Bulls team elected to change strategies on the fly helped to save his Brazilian Grand Prix result.

Why it matters:

• In a sport where pre-determined strategies often dictate outcomes, Lawson's account highlights the critical impact of real-time decision-making in high-pressure F1 races.
• This strategic flexibility allowed him to secure a strong seventh-place finish, showcasing the team's ability to adapt and maximize performance even when a driver isn't designated as the primary car.
• Lawson's performance, marked by his sixth points finish, further solidifies his standing as a promising talent in Formula 1.

The Details:

• Lawson, who qualified P7, was initially slated to follow a two-stop strategy, putting him at a disadvantage as the second car behind teammate Isack Hadjar (who qualified P5 and was on the preferential strategy).
• Mid-Race Strategy Shift: The team opted to switch Lawson to a one-stop strategy during the race. This unconventional move, though not the fastest theoretically, was crucial for gaining and maintaining track position.
• DRS Train Management: In the closing stages, Lawson found himself leading a massive DRS train of nearly half the field, stretching back to Fernando Alonso in 14th.
  • He successfully managed his tires and energy while defending his position, demonstrating impressive race craft under immense pressure.
• Teammate Battle: Lawson briefly made contact with Hadjar on the final lap, underscoring the intensity of their battle for position, with Lawson ultimately finishing ahead.

Between the Lines:

• Lawson's explanation reveals the inherent challenges of being the "second car" in a team, where strategic priorities often favor the designated lead driver.
• The decision to pivot to a one-stop strategy indicates a calculated risk by Racing Bulls, prioritizing track position over raw pace in specific race conditions.
• His ability to manage the DRS train and secure seventh place, just 3.124s ahead of 14th, highlights his skill in tire management and defensive driving, turning a potentially difficult race into a successful points finish.

What's Next:

• Lawson's consistent points finishes and adaptability under pressure could bolster his case for a permanent F1 seat, especially given the ongoing driver market discussions.
• This performance also gives Racing Bulls valuable data on strategic flexibility and driver performance under varying conditions, which will be crucial for optimizing future race weekends.
• The team will undoubtedly analyze the intra-team battle and the effectiveness of their on-the-fly strategy change to refine their approach in upcoming races.