Liam Lawson faced an unexpected challenge during the nearly two-hour-long qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku: a pressing need to use the toilet. This unusual predicament unfolded amidst a record-breaking six red flags, which prolonged the session significantly. Despite the discomfort, Lawson managed to secure an impressive third position on the grid.
The qualifying session, which began at 1600 local time, did not conclude until nearly 1800. Lawson capitalized on the misfortunes of Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri, who both crashed out in Q3. With only Carlos Sainz, Lawson, and Isack Hadjar having set lap times with just 3:41 left on the clock, Lawson found himself in a strong position.
Ultimately, Max Verstappen claimed pole position, but Lawson’s third-place finish marked a significant achievement. It was the best qualifying result for a New Zealander since Chris Amon’s third-place start at the 1976 Swedish Grand Prix. Lawson’s performance has fueled hopes for his first career podium finish.
Lawson’s Unconventional Battle
Reflecting on the session, Lawson shared his experience of discomfort with Sky Sports F1, highlighting the mental and physical challenges he faced. “Honestly, it felt like hours,” Lawson admitted. “I needed to pee since lap two of quali, so that’s never nice, but it was great for us.”
The session was not just about managing physical discomfort but also about strategic driving. “Today was just about surviving the first two sessions, maximizing every lap,” Lawson explained. He emphasized the importance of learning from past experiences, particularly from Monza, where risk-taking did not pay off.
“We fuelled for the whole session, and just did every single lap possible,” Lawson noted.
Weather Challenges and Strategic Moves
Lawson also faced the challenge of changing weather conditions during the session. As rain began to fall, he had to fight the instinct to brake early, maintaining tire temperature and grip. “The hardest thing is when it starts raining and you notice and see it on your visor,” he said. Despite these conditions, Lawson managed to maintain focus and execute his strategy effectively.
Carlos Sainz, who also performed well in Q3, managed to capitalize on the initial laps. However, Lawson’s ability to ignore the rain and continue as though conditions were dry proved advantageous. “I just ignored all of it and carried on, pretending it wasn’t, and it worked,” Lawson stated.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
Lawson’s achievement in Baku is a significant milestone in his career and for New Zealand motorsport. The last time a New Zealander performed so well in qualifying was nearly five decades ago. This result has not only boosted Lawson’s confidence but also heightened expectations for his future performances.
As Lawson looks ahead, the focus will be on maintaining this momentum and translating strong qualifying results into podium finishes. His ability to handle pressure and adapt to challenging conditions will be crucial as he continues to compete at the highest level of motorsport.
Meanwhile, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises to be an exciting race, with Lawson starting from a strong position. Fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see if he can convert his qualifying success into a podium finish.
With his performance in Baku, Lawson has demonstrated not only his driving skill but also his resilience and strategic acumen. As the season progresses, his journey will be one to watch, both for his personal achievements and for the broader impact on New Zealand’s presence in Formula 1.
