In a thrilling twist on the Formula 1 grid, Liam Lawson of AlphaTauri soared to new heights during his third-ever Formula 1 qualifying session. He left seasoned pro Max Verstappen in the dust and clinched a spot in the top ten shootout, all during his debut on the notoriously challenging Singapore track. While the feat itself is commendable, Lawson’s hunger for more was palpable, as AlphaTauri’s potential remained untapped.
A Rookie’s Triumph on Tough Terrain
Singapore is known for being an unforgiving circuit for rookies, especially on an off day for Red Bull, which made Lawson’s achievement all the more remarkable. In a surprising turn of events, he emerged as the sole Red Bull driver to secure a spot in the top ten shootout. However, despite this achievement, his final lap placed him in the 10th position, trailing behind Nico Hulkenberg in the Haas.
More to Extract, More to Achieve
Liam Lawson was candid about his performance, acknowledging that there was untapped potential left on the table. He shared his insights, attributing some of the missed opportunities to tire warm-up issues. The elusive surge in grip during the last lap eluded him, leaving him hungry for more.
“It’s obviously exciting to be in Q3, but we definitely didn’t maximise – something we have to look at,” he candidly confessed to F1 TV. The hunger for improvement was evident in his words as he noted, “So happy to be in Q3, but I still saw more potential there.”
Endurance in the Face of Challenge
As he gears up for what promises to be one of his most grueling races, Lawson remains focused and determined. Singapore’s two-hour race, coupled with its relentless humidity, poses a formidable challenge for even the most seasoned drivers. During Friday’s practice sessions, Liam Lawson displayed unwavering determination, despite the visible signs of exhaustion.
“Two hours is a long race, especially around here. So it’s going to be challenging, but it’s a good position to start,” Lawson acknowledged. His sights are firmly set on the race day, recognizing the importance of maximizing his potential in the main event.
