Liam Lawson upset for not ‘maximizing performance’ despite sensational top 10 finish at Singapore GP Qualifying
Formula 1’s newest rookie hungry for more after dazzling Q3 finish
Liam Lawson, rightfully, took over the limelight after a sensational Saturday where he knocked out the reigning World Champion, Max Verstappen, out of Q2. The 21-year-old replaced Daniel Ricciardo following the veteran’s crash at the Dutch GP. In only his 3rd Grand Prix weekend, the rookie has taken AlphaTauri to a top 10 grid position [P10]. Even after this magnificent display of sheer talent, Lawson seems to expect more from himself.
“I’m happy to make it into Q3, but there’s more potential to be higher up. It’s a shame, but I’m still learning and there’s more to come. We didn’t maximize the performance, and it’s something we have to look at.” said [to Pitdebrief.com] Lawson about the qualifying session. The youngster seems determined to extract more out of the car, further clarifying what he thinks could’ve been done better, “It was warm-up related,” added the young Kiwi.
AlphaTauri, a team currently dead-last in the constructors, have only managed to win 3 points this season. But the new layout of the Marina Bay circuit seems to bring out the best in the team. Yuki Tsunoda put in a blistering lap in Q1 and although Q2 didn’t go his way, it’ll be interesting to see if the team is able to win some points this weekend. Tsunoda starts P15.
Do not miss: Lewis Hamilton vouches for George Russell to win the Singapore GP and end Red Bull’s dominant streak
Max Verstappen escapes three separate investigations without a single penalty
Verstappen’s outing at the Marina Bay circuit could’ve been made worse as the driver was investigated by the stewards for a possible grid penalty. Verstappen was accused of three separate counts of ‘impeding other driver’s session’ but, miraculously, has escaped the investigation with zero penalties.
Verstappen stopped before the Pit exit – waiting for a gap in traffic, which confused many drivers. He also was accused of impeding Yuki Tsunoda and Logan Seargant on track.
FIA’s decision to not hand out any penalty is bound to raise more than a few eyebrows in the paddock along with a few memes directed towards Ocon. The Alpine driver being penalized so often has led to fans sighting his name wherever the word penalty arises.
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Himanshu Chavan
(232 Articles Published)