Unseen Last-Lap Clash: Lawson and Hadjar's Battle for Points in Brazil

Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar, teammates at Racing Bulls, had an intense, unseen last-lap collision at the Brazilian Grand Prix while fighting for a double points finish, securing crucial points for the team after three scoreless weekends. Despite the contact, both drivers finished in the top 10, bringing home valuable constructor points.

Why it matters:

This incident, though not broadcast live, highlights the intense pressure and fierce competition even among teammates in Formula 1. Securing a double points finish, especially after a challenging dry spell, is vital for Racing Bulls as they battle for a stronger position in the Constructors' Championship against rivals like Aston Martin and Haas. The fight shows the drivers' commitment to pushing limits, even when it leads to risky on-track encounters.

The Details:

• Last-Lap Contact: On the final lap at Interlagos, Hadjar attempted an aggressive overtake on Lawson around the outside of Turn 1. The two made wheel-to-wheel contact as Hadjar squeezed Lawson on the apex.
• Unseen Battle: The intense fight was not shown on the live broadcast due to a concurrent battle between Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli for second place.
• Hadjar's Admission: Isack Hadjar admitted he "pushed it a little too much" but called it "very fun," acknowledging it was "kind of my mistake" after trying to overtake Lawson's one-stop strategy on the very last lap.
• Lawson's Perspective: Liam Lawson, no stranger to close racing, felt Hadjar was right to go for the move, attributing the contact to a misjudgment in a curving corner. He emphasized the importance of both cars finishing to secure points for the team.
• Team Result: Despite the contact, Lawson finished seventh and Hadjar eighth, marking a successful double points finish that ended the team's three-weekend scoring drought.

The Big Picture:

The double points haul in Brazil significantly strengthens Racing Bulls' position in the Constructors' Championship. With 82 points, they have extended their lead over Aston Martin (72 points) and Haas (70 points), bolstering their bid for sixth place in the standings. This performance demonstrates the team's potential to consistently challenge in the midfield, even amidst internal competition.

What's next:

While the immediate focus will be on the final races of the season and securing their Constructors' Championship position, this incident could be a point of discussion for team management regarding future intra-team racing guidelines. However, both drivers' post-race comments suggest a mutual respect for hard racing, indicating that such fierce competition, though risky, is an inherent part of their drive for success.