Victory, podium, and F1 test take Liam Lawson to new heights at Spa
One of New Zealand’s closest F1 prospects was elevated to new heights in the Belgian hills.
Liam Lawson speaks after Free Practice 1 at Spa. (Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool)
Liam Lawson took a sprint race victory, feature race podium, and tested for AlphaTauri at the Belgian Grand Prix.
His highest achievement of the weekend, he says his momentum off the start-line was key to his victory in the Formula 2 sprint race at Spa-Francorchamps.
Due to the length of the Belgian circuit, drivers are only allowed one warm-up lap before the race start.
Lawson said the changed program and cool conditions increased the difficulty of the start.
Despite the challenge, Lawson's "tyres were switched on right away," allowing him to get the jump on French contender Théo Pourchaire.
"He didn't think that I had the run that I did," said Lawson, who had to swerve onto the grass to avoid contact.
"I had so much momentum that even lifting and driving through the grass I was able to stay next to him and take the position."
Lawson was able to pass leader Ralph Boschung in the following laps and held his own at a safety car restart to take the chequered flag.
The win marked the third time he has stood on the top step of the Formula 2 podium after a sprint race this year.
Fifth in the standings after a slew of feature-race retirements, Lawson has been dominant on Saturdays.
The Carlin driver took victory in Jeddah and Le Castellet, with the Spa result making him the most successful sprint race driver this season.
All this just after taking part in one of Formula 1’s mandatory rookie sessions on Friday.
The Free Practice drive was Lawson's first on-track this year in a Formula 1 car designed to meet the new regulations for 2022.
He is serving as Reserve and Test driver for Scuderia AlphaTauri this season before an incoming promotion to Red Bull in 2023.
"They are so different to drive," said Lawson, jumping out of the AlphaTauri after the session.
"Even with all the simulator work we do it was a big jump to go from F2 to F1 and then back to F2 for qualifying."
"It's been a great weekend," said the Red Bull junior.
Lawson rounded out the weekend with third in the feature race, frustrated with a slow pit-stop that took him out of contention for the race victory.
In all, Lawson backs his team.
“They've been doing a great job all year but I would say this was definitely one of the strongest it's been…” he said on Saturday.
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