Liam Lawson’s return to the Components 1 grid is likely one of the main storylines because the season winds down. The younger driver stepped in for an injured Daniel Ricciardo a yr in the past at AlphaTauri, however returned to the grid a number of weeks in the past when Ricciardo was sidelined by Visa Money App RB F1 Group.
Nevertheless, Lawson isn’t making mates now that he’s again on the grid, and in his phrases, that isn’t his job.
Lawson’s on-track battle with Sergio Pérez in final week’s Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix was a large speaking level within the hours after the race, with the veteran Crimson Bull driver blasting Lawson for being “uncontrolled” and questioning whether or not he has the “proper angle” for F1. This comes within the wake of an on-track scrap with Fernando Alonso throughout america Grand Prix two weeks in the past.
After all, the truth that Pérez and Lawson could also be combating for a seat on the grid subsequent yr, relying on what rumors you select to consider, could also be a contributing issue to the motion on, and off, the observe.
Talking with the official F1 channel Thursday forward of the São Paulo Grand Prix Lawson conceded that there have been some issues he might have accomplished otherwise in Mexico Metropolis however finally, he’s not racing to make mates.
He’s racing to win.
“I imply, in each race, there’s so many belongings you go over, so many issues you are able to do higher,” stated Lawson on Thursday. “General, sure, for positive, there’s clearly stuff in there that might have been higher, however I’ll take these issues and study from it going into this weekend.
“Clearly my aim is to not exit and make enemies of anyone. I’m not making an attempt to trigger any points or something like that,” continued Lawson. On the similar time, I’m not right here to make mates, I’m right here to win – that’s what I’m targeted on doing. On this state of affairs, we’re combating very onerous for P6 within the constructors’ [standings], and I’m combating for my future in F1 as effectively, in order that’s what I’m targeted on.”
Lawson did supply an apology to Pérez for a gesture made within the veteran’s route through the Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix, because the VCARB driver was passing Pérez on the observe.
“Within the second issues are very heated and clearly I apologise for what I did final week,” he added. “It’s not one thing I ought to have accomplished, and it’s one thing I received’t be doing once more.”
The VCARB driver was additionally requested about what was stated within the Crimson Bull hospitality house after the race, as cameras caught Lawson strolling into an workplace with Crimson Bull Group Principal Christian Horner for a closed-door assembly. In response to the driving force, he outlined that he might have accomplished some issues otherwise, however reiterated his perception relating to why he drives within the first place.
“They know why I’m right here and it’s one thing I’ve stated for a few years. All of us from F1 are solely right here for one motive. Concurrently apologising, it’s additionally what I advised them.”
Lawson and the remainder of the grid return to the observe Friday for the only observe session earlier than lap occasions rely later within the day throughout qualifying for the F1 Dash Race.
