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 12 months in the past at AlphaTauri, however returned to the grid a couple of weeks in the past when Ricciardo was sidelined by Visa Money App RB F1 Workforce.
Nonetheless, Lawson will not be making buddies now that he’s again on the grid, and in his phrases, that’s not 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 Pink 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 the USA Grand Prix two weeks in the past.
In fact, the truth that Pérez and Lawson could also be combating for a seat on the grid subsequent 12 months, 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 performed in a different way in Mexico Metropolis however finally, he’s not racing to make buddies.
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 purpose is to not exit and make enemies of anyone. I’m not attempting to trigger any points or something like that,” continued Lawson. On the identical time, I’m not right here to make buddies, I’m right here to win – that’s what I’m centered on doing. On this scenario, 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 centered on.”
Lawson did provide an apology to Pérez for a gesture made within the veteran’s route in the course of 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 performed, and it’s one thing I received’t be doing once more.”
The VCARB driver was additionally requested about what was stated within the Pink Bull hospitality area after the race, as cameras caught Lawson strolling into an workplace with Pink Bull Workforce Principal Christian Horner for a closed-door assembly. In response to the motive force, he outlined that he might have performed some issues in a different way, 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 cause. Similtaneously apologising, it’s additionally what I instructed them.”
Lawson and the remainder of the grid return to the observe Friday for the only apply session earlier than lap occasions rely later within the day throughout qualifying for the F1 Dash Race.
