Lawson explains tyre dilemma after Sao Paulo Grand Prix

Liam Lawson has described the difficulty drivers faced at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in managing their intermediate tyres during the opening phase of the 71-lap race at Interlagos. The race started on intermediates as drizzle fell, and Lawson made a strong start from third to run second behind Kimi Antonelli, having passed pole-sitter Lando Norris.

As the rain stopped, the track dried quickly and tyre graining set in, with Lawson and Lewis Hamilton among those affected. Lawson said graining began halfway through the first lap, leaving drivers unsure whether to push through it or look after the tyre. He finished eighth on the road but was promoted to seventh after a penalty for Charles Leclerc, who was judged to have bumped and run him at Turn 12.

Lawson said he would have preferred the race to remain wet throughout, arguing it could have given the team more of a chance against the faster cars ahead. He added that the team was topping the midfield, which remains its target each weekend.