Lawson frustrated despite matching best F1 grid slot in Brazil

Liam Lawson said he was frustrated not to qualify even higher at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, despite set to start third on the grid after penalties for George Russell and Charles Leclerc. He qualified fifth in a red flag-interrupted wet session, a result that will equal his best Formula 1 starting position, achieved in Azerbaijan in 2025.

The Racing Bulls driver said he aborted his final Q3 lap after not leaving enough of a gap to Fernando Alonso on his initial attempt, and that the lap he abandoned was probably the optimum one before rain fell. Lawson described the car as strong in both conditions and said the switch to intermediate tyres during Q2 had helped put the team in a good position.

Lawson acknowledged the shortfall was his own fault, saying he had not made a big enough gap in Q3, but added that the penalties would still move him up the order for the race.