At the recent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Liam Lawson has intensified the intra-team rivalry with fellow Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar. Following his return to the Faenza-based squad from Red Bull, Lawson’s stellar qualifying performance surpassed Hadjar for the first time, sparking widespread interest and speculation in the paddock.
Lawson’s persistence and aggressive driving style were on full display throughout the race weekend. Although he ended the race just behind Hadjar, the determination he showed was undeniable. Hadjar himself acknowledged Lawson’s exceptional pace, noting, “This weekend he was really, really fast. In qualifying, he made the most of the car. He’s definitely getting stronger now, definitely pushing me just like Yuki [Tsunoda, his previous teammate] was pushing me as well.”
During the race, Lawson executed strategic moves and overtook several competitors, emphasizing his competitive edge and thirst for victory. Despite these efforts, he couldn’t achieve a higher standing and was left slightly disheartened by the results. Reflecting on the race, Lawson remarked, “Unfortunately, my [strategy] didn’t work today, we spent the race overtaking cars… It’s a shame we just ended up on the wrong end of it today.”
Conversely, Hadjar secured a well-strategized 10th place finish. Yet, he expressed dissatisfaction with being constrained by competitors in the race’s final stages. “It was a perfect race, and to get only one point is a bit… harsh… When I knew the two Williams were ahead of me after the pitstop, I knew I was… cooked,” Hadjar lamented.
Both drivers are committed to furthering their progress and that of their team. Lawson emphasized the critical need for speed advancements for future races, whereas Hadjar underscored his unwavering passion for racing and resilience against setbacks like those faced in Melbourne.
With the Racing Bulls team environment reaching boiling point, spectators are eager to witness the ongoing rivalry between Hadjar and Lawson as the Formula 1 season progresses. The stage is set for more heart-racing action and confrontations, captivating fans around the globe.
