Liam Lawson to Adopt Isack Hadjar's Setup for Racing Bulls Turnaround in Abu Dhabi

Liam Lawson is set to pivot towards Isack Hadjar's car setup after a challenging start to his Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, signaling a strategic shift to unlock better performance.

Why it matters:

After a crucial FP1 session was missed, Lawson's early performance lagged significantly behind his teammate, putting pressure on Racing Bulls to ensure both cars are competitive. Adopting Hadjar's setup is a critical, immediate response to bridge this performance gap, vital for the team's standing and Lawson's confidence following his recent contract confirmation.

The details:

• FP1 Absence: Lawson sat out the first practice session for Super Formula champion Ayumu Iwasa, leading to a natural catch-up period that proved more difficult than anticipated.
• Performance Disparity: In FP2, Lawson finished P18, over eight-tenths slower than his teammate, who impressively secured seventh place.
• Strategic Shift: Lawson confirmed he would "go a little bit more towards their car" (Hadjar's setup) in hopes of improving his car's performance.
• Team Performance: Despite Lawson's individual struggles, he noted, "I think overall, as a team, it's quite quick. We just need to tune up my car a little bit," indicating that the team's baseline pace is strong.
• Qualifying Focus: Lawson emphasized the importance of building a strong car for qualifying, recognizing that FP3 conditions might not be fully representative of later sessions.

The big picture:

Racing Bulls aims to solidify its sixth position in the constructors' standings. With competitors like Stake and Haas showing strong pace on the opening day, having both drivers performing optimally is paramount. Lawson's ability to adapt quickly to Hadjar's setup will be crucial for the team's overall weekend success and maintaining their constructors' advantage.

What's next:

Lawson and the Racing Bulls team will be working overnight to implement the changes and refine his car's setup, hoping for a significant improvement in FP3 and qualifying. The goal is to maximize their performance to secure a strong grid position, which will be essential for fending off rivals and securing vital points in the season finale.