Liam Lawson’s return to the System 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 just a few weeks in the past when Ricciardo was sidelined by Visa Money App RB F1 Group.
Nonetheless, Lawson shouldn’t be 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 an enormous speaking level within the hours after the race, with the veteran Purple Bull driver blasting Lawson for being “uncontrolled” and questioning whether or not he has the “proper perspective” 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.
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 imagine, 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 may have achieved otherwise in Mexico Metropolis however finally, he isn’t 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. “Total, sure, for certain, there’s clearly stuff in there that would have been higher, however I’ll take these issues and study from it going into this weekend.
“Clearly my objective 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 exhausting for P6 within the constructors’ [standings], and I’m combating for my future in F1 as properly, in order that’s what I’m targeted on.”
Lawson did provide an apology to Pérez for a gesture made within the veteran’s path 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 achieved, and it’s one thing I received’t be doing once more.”
The VCARB driver was additionally requested about what was stated within the Purple Bull hospitality area after the race, as cameras caught Lawson strolling into an workplace with Purple Bull Group Principal Christian Horner for a closed-door assembly. In keeping with the driving force, he outlined that he may have achieved 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. Similtaneously apologising, it’s additionally what I instructed them.”
Lawson and the remainder of the grid return to the observe Friday for the one follow session earlier than lap instances rely later within the day throughout qualifying for the F1 Dash Race.
